India, March 23 -- After a delay of over three months, the Maharashtra public health department began distributing 100 hearse vans lying unused near Dr Naidu Hospital from Friday. Parked for a long period caused battery drainage and damaged tyres of the unused vans, purchased under a Rs.35-crore project during the tenure of former health minister Tanaji Sawant and meant for municipal corporations and councils across the state.

Hindustan Times had highlighted the state's apathy towards the medical facility in its report on March 12, 2025.

Dr Vaijanath Galande, deputy director of health services (transport), said, "The vans are being distributed across districts, both urban and rural. Every district will get three to five vans depending o...