India, Feb. 15 -- The Maharashtra government has okayed nearly Rs.100 crore to set up four cardiac catheterisation laboratories (cath labs) in Pune, Jalna, Gadhinglaj, and Kolhapur, said public health minister Prakash Abitkar. The public health department granted administrative approval of Rs.99.85 crore through a government resolution issued on Friday, said officials on Saturday.

The new cath labs to come up at district hospitals is expected to significantly reduce delays in treatment for critical heart patients who currently have to travel to Pune or Mumbai.

In Kolhapur district, two cath lab facilities will be made available at Gadhinglaj and Seva Hospital in Kolhapur city. The facility will also benefit neighbouring districts, inclu...