India, April 23 -- Despite a burgeoning population of nearly 60 lakhs which includes one lakh residents from 34 villages merged with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), the city's healthcare system leaves a lot to be desired, what with poor budget allocation for the civic health department a perennial issue. While the recent incident at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital has triggered a storm against private- doctors and hospitals, the government has proved wanting in its duty to provide quality, affordable public healthcare.

While this year's PMC budget of Rs.12,618 crore marks an increase of Rs.1,017 crore over last year's PMC budget of Rs.11,601 crore, the allocation for healthcare stands reduced by 20% at Rs.598 crore.

Dr Sanjeev Wavar...