The Government of Maharashtra has launched the My Village, Healthy Village campaign with ₹80.75 crore funding to strengthen rural healthcare through sanitation, nutrition, and preventive care. The initiative promotes community participation and aims to transform villages into self-reliant, disease-free Healthy Villages.
The Government of Maharashtra has launched a major public health initiative aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery in rural areas. The programme, titled “My Village, Healthy Village,” seeks to transform thousands of villages across the state into models of health, hygiene and well-being.
This year-long campaign will run from April 1 to March 31 annually. It represents a shift in focus from clinical treatment alone to preventive and promotive health measures that target the root causes of poor health.
A Strategic Shift in Rural Health Policy
The Maharashtra Cabinet approved the scheme with a total allocation of about ₹80.75 crore for its first phase. Officials say the funds will support sanitation, safe drinking water projects, public awareness drives, nutrition programmes and community health activities at the village level.
“The My Village, Healthy Village campaign will transform rural healthcare through people’s participation,” Health Minister Prakash Abitkar said in a recent statement shared by his office. “Our focus is on preventing diseases, improving sanitation and nutrition, and promoting healthy lifestyles so that every village in Maharashtra becomes self-reliant and disease-free.”
The minister added that the campaign is rooted in community involvement. It is not just a health department project, but “a movement that needs active public participation from every village.”
Community Participation at the Core
At the heart of the campaign is a five-tier implementation structure. Committees will operate at the state, division, district, taluka and gram panchayat levels. These committees will coordinate activities, monitor progress and support field action.
Villages will be evaluated against health criteria set by the public health department. Villages that score above 70 percent will be recognized as “Healthy Villages.” They will receive certificates, mementos and cash prizes as incentives.
A senior health official said the scheme is designed to “raise health standards at the grassroots and encourage healthy behaviour.” Such performance-based recognition is expected to drive competition and improve outcomes.
Focus on Prevention, Not Just Treatment
One of the key priorities is preventive healthcare, according to officials. The campaign will target communicable and non-communicable diseases through awareness campaigns, sanitation drives, safe drinking water access and community education.
The initiative’s emphasis on preventive action reflects growing public health research showing that early awareness and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce disease burdens. For example, mobile health units in Maharashtra have brought primary care to over 25,000 villagers near protected areas, helping screen for common illnesses and provide maternal care services.
Experts say this shift echoes broader public health priorities. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has stated that healthy villages lay the foundation for wellbeing across all ages, and that local governments are essential partners in driving this change.
Linkages with Past and Parallel Health Drives
The My Village, Healthy Village campaign complements earlier state moves on preventive health. In December 2025, Maharashtra launched the Cervical Cancer-Free Maharashtra drive to enhance women’s health through HPV vaccinations and early screenings, highlighting the state’s broader commitment to preventive care and early intervention.
Large-scale partnerships also reflect this direction. On 14 February 2026, the state government signed memorandums with Tata Trusts and the Naam Foundation to implement a development programme in Gadchiroli district. The agreement emphasises child development, nutrition support and telemedicine,key components that align with the My Village, Healthy Village ethos.
Challenges and Expectations
Public health experts warn that rural healthcare faces longstanding challenges, including shortages of trained staff, limited infrastructure and gaps in awareness. A recent analysis of rural healthcare in Maharashtra highlights persistent access barriers and underscores the need for sustained community outreach and services.
However, promoters of the new campaign remain optimistic. By integrating sanitation, water safety, nutrition and preventive care with traditional primary health services, officials hope the initiative can create self-sustaining healthy communities across the state.
A New Direction for Rural Health
For many villagers, the promise of regular health screenings, safer water, improved sanitation and recognition for performance brings hope of lasting change.
As Health Minister Abitkar noted, “This is not just a scheme. It is a people’s movement for a healthier Maharashtra.”
Clear Cut Health Desk
New Delhi, UPDATED: Feb 19, 2026 05:00 IST
Written By: Ayushman Meena
