India, June 28 -- After years of delay, the 100-bed Lohegaon sub-district hospital will begin outpatient department (OPD) services on a trial basis from July 6. The facility is expected to become fully operational after its formal inauguration around July 16, subject to the availability of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, the deputy chief ministers and the state health minister, officials said on Saturday.

Built by the Public Health Department at a cost of Rs.38.80 crore, the hospital was sanctioned seven years ago to meet the growing healthcare needs of Lohegaon and adjoining areas. Delays in completing the project forced residents to rely on Aundh District Hospital and Sassoon General Hospital, both several kilometres away.

The decis...