India, Feb. 23 -- As many as 64 of the 236 First Referral Units (FRUs) across Maharashtra are currently non-functional due to staff shortage of specialised doctors and infrastructure-related issues, triggering serious concerns about access to emergency maternal and child healthcare, particularly in rural and remote areas, said health officials on Sunday.

The FRUs are identified as tertiary-level health facilities meant to provide round-the-clock emergency and essential services under the mother and child health programme. These units play a crucial role in managing high-risk deliveries, conducting Caesarean sections and providing specialised newborn care. Nevertheless, nearly 27% of the FRU remain non-operational.

As per norms, every FR...