Maharashtra sees rise in infectious diseases as hospital bed availability declines

Maharashtra is witnessing a worrying rise in infectious diseases even as the availability of hospital beds relative to population has declined, according to findings highlighted in the state’s Economic Survey for 2025–26.

The survey indicates that cases of diseases such as malaria, dengue, tuberculosis and HIV have continued to increase in recent years, placing additional pressure on the state’s healthcare system. At the same time, hospital infrastructure has not expanded at the same pace as the disease burden.

Data in the report shows that the number of hospital beds per lakh population has fluctuated sharply over the past few years. The ratio stood at 102 beds in 2020, fell to 59 in 2021, recovered to 73 in 2024 and dropped again to about 65 in 2025. The figures point to persistent gaps in healthcare capacity in a state that has one of the country’s largest populations.

Public health experts say the mismatch between rising disease incidence and limited infrastructure could place additional strain on hospitals, particularly during seasonal outbreaks of vector borne diseases such as dengue and malaria.

Officials have said that part of the variation in bed availability is linked to a change in the method used to calculate hospital capacity. Earlier estimates included beds from government, municipal and charitable trust hospitals, while later calculations relied on a narrower definition.

Even so, the data has renewed concerns about the need to expand public health infrastructure and strengthen disease surveillance. With urbanisation and population growth continuing across the state, experts say sustained investment in hospital capacity and preventive healthcare will be crucial to manage the rising burden of infectious diseases.