India, April 10 -- The government will start surgical services at primary health centres (PHCs) across the state, which will reduce the burden on tertiary-level hospitals and improve access to treatment in rural areas, health minister Prakash Abitkar said.

The service will begin in the next couple of weeks, and the health department will initially make as many as 35 to 40 types of minor and essential surgeries available at PHCs.

Currently, these centres provide primary care, emergency services and basic inpatient facilities. Maharashtra has over 1,915 PHCs, and the move is expected to reduce patient referral rates and overcrowding at tertiary care hospitals. Additionally, it will decrease travel time and treatment costs for patients who...