Maharashtra Unveils Mandatory Training Policy for Public Health Staff
MUMBAI — The Maharashtra Public Health Department has introduced a new training policy to enhance the skills, knowledge, and professional approach of its officers and employees, state Health Minister Prakash Abitkar announced on Thursday.
The policy aims to transform the current training system by treating workforce development as a key investment rather than an administrative routine. Under the new framework, all training institutions across Maharashtra will be brought under the administrative and technical supervision of the Directorate of Public Health Services Training, Nagpur, to establish uniformity.
The State Institute of Health and Family Welfare (SIHFW) in Nagpur has been designated as the nodal training institution. The state also plans to strengthen training infrastructure at the divisional, district, and taluka levels, with new centres to be set up where required.
Under the policy, training will be mandatory for all regular and contractual personnel. Newly recruited employees will be required to complete their initial training within one year of joining service. Staff members receiving promotions must also undergo relevant training programmes.
The policy mandates refresher courses after four to six years of service, followed by advanced or senior-level training once an employee completes 10 years in service. Additionally, the department has proposed a 28-day residential ‘Skill Lab’ programme, which includes 20 days of practical instruction in skill laboratories and eight days of hands-on field training at district hospitals.
To align training with workplace responsibilities, the department will prepare five-year training frameworks alongside annual training plans tailored to specific roles.
Health Minister Abitkar stated that the initiative would build a capable healthcare workforce and improve the quality of services delivered to citizens. Principal Secretary Nipun Vinayak noted that the policy would strengthen the state's public health system, ensure standardised training, and build greater public confidence in government healthcare facilities.
