The Maharashtra government is set to roll out surgical services at primary health centres (PHCs) across the state, a move aimed at reducing the burden on tertiary hospitals and improving access to healthcare in rural areas. Health Minister Prakash Abitkar announced that the initiative will launch in the next couple of weeks, offering 35 to 40 types of minor and essential surgeries at these centres. Currently, Maharashtra has over 1,915 PHCs, which primarily provide primary care and emergency services. This initiative is expected to significantly decrease patient referrals and overcrowding at tertiary care hospitals, as well as lower travel times and treatment costs for patients who would otherwise need to visit private facilities. The decision follows the empanelment of 2,767 PHCs and Urban Primary Health Centres (UPHCs) under the state-run Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY), which provides free medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh (roughly $6,000 USD) for residents. To support this rollout, the health department plans to enhance infrastructure, equipment, and manpower at PHCs, with a goal of recruiting over 5,000 staff to strengthen services and improve operating theatre facilities.