The Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) first cancer hospital developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model has become the centre of controversy soon after its inauguration. Social activists have alleged irregularities in the project and questioned the transparency of the agreement.
The advanced cancer care facility in Baner, developed jointly by PMC and Apulki Healthcare Private Limited, was inaugurated on May 17 by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Civic authorities have described it as India’s first dedicated cancer hospital set up through the PPP model.
The hospital has been launched amid rising cases of cancer and heart disease, with healthcare expenses increasingly burdening common citizens.
Social activist Vijay Kumbhar accused the project of being an example of “privatisation of healthcare and misuse of public money under the PPP model.” He alleged that Apulki Healthcare Private Limited was incorporated only on November 12, 2025, shortly before it was selected to manage the Rs 165-crore project.
Kumbhar questioned how a newly formed company with no prior healthcare experience was awarded such a large public healthcare project.
The activist also raised doubts about the company’s registered address, claiming it matches the address of the newly built PMC hospital in Baner. He questioned whether the company was specifically created to operate the hospital project.
He further sought clarification on whether the institution holds charitable status, arguing that despite PMC providing land and Rs 14 crore in public funding, patients may still be charged private hospital rates.
The controversy intensified after officials from the Charity Commissioner’s office stated that “Apulki Medical Care” is not registered under the Maharashtra Public Trusts Act.
According to a senior official, no registration proposal has been submitted by the organisation.
PMC health department officials denied all allegations of wrongdoing. A senior civic official, speaking anonymously, said the tendering process began nearly five years ago and all approvals were granted within the legal framework.
The official added that the organisation earlier functioned under the name “We Care” before being renamed “Apulki Medical Care” in 2025.
The issue has also sparked debate over the hospital being named after late Yashwantrao Bhimale, father of BJP corporator and former Standing Committee chairman Shrinath Bhimale.
Social activist Vinita Deshmukh criticised the naming decision, questioning why public facilities funded through taxpayers’ money are named after relatives of politicians. She also pointed out that Bhimale has no direct connection with the Baner area.
Shrinath Bhimale rejected all allegations and said the project followed a proper legal and tender process. He noted that the original proposal was approved in 2022 and later shifted due to space constraints.
He also said courts had ruled in PMC’s favour and assured that he would soon issue a clarification regarding the naming controversy.
According to Bhimale, PMC provided a one-acre plot in Baner and basic infrastructure support worth Rs 14 crore, while the remaining investment, medical equipment, operations and staff expenses are being handled by Apulki Medical Care Centre.
The 150-bed hospital is equipped with modern facilities, including a Rs 35-crore linear accelerator machine. The hospital is expected to employ 35-40 specialist doctors and over 400 staff members, according to Dr Pritesh Munot from the hospital management team.
At the inauguration ceremony, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the PPP-based hospital would provide major relief to economically weaker patients, especially as cancer cases continue to rise. He also appreciated the hospital’s decision to offer treatment at CGHS rates.