India, June 1 -- Maharashtra will soon get a state-of-the-art Health Emergency Operations Centre (HEOC) to strengthen preparedness for future pandemics, disease outbreaks and public health emergencies, health officials said on Sunday.

The facility, being developed by the state public health department, is expected to become operational by July. The project is in its final stages, and work is progressing rapidly, according to Dr Sandeep Sangale, joint director of health services, Maharashtra.

"The work has already started and is in the final stage. The HEOC is expected to become operational by July," said Dr Sangale.

The HEOC will function as the state's command-and-control hub during disasters, disease outbreaks and other public health...