PULSE 2026 sees Maharashtra sign 15 MoUs for healthcare and education

PULSE 2026, a platform for learning, skills, health and education, marked the signing of 15 Memoranda of Understanding by the Government of Maharashtra as part of its Viksit Maharashtra 2047 plans.

The event recorded three financial MoUs with an investment commitment of INR 720 crore and 12 strategic MoUs. It also brought together more than 130 speakers and over 3000 attendees from more than 10 countries.

During the event, Maharashtra outlined its plans for healthcare delivery, partnerships and investment. The MoUs were signed in the presence of Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

“PULSE is not just a conclave; we are setting the direction for how healthcare in Maharashtra will evolve over the next decade,” said Fadnavis.

Academic collaborations were formalised between the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, the University of Leeds and MEDD, covering clinical training, research, innovation hubs and workforce development. Manchester Metropolitan University’s Institute of Sport committed to curriculum delivery and centres related to sports and exercise medicine.

“PULSE 2026 reflects Maharashtra’s commitment to building a future-ready, inclusive healthcare ecosystem. Through innovation and collaboration, we are ensuring quality care reaches every citizen,” said Hasan Mushrif, Minister for Medical Education, Maharashtra.

On the clinical and technology front, 4baseCare signed an agreement for a Precision Oncology Centre of Excellence. Medtronic committed to a Stroke Centre of Excellence. Kindshell Healthcare signed for nursing programmes, while AR Innovations brought dermatology diagnostics and a knowledge exchange framework. SimX committed virtual reality simulation infrastructure for medical training.

Cognisouls Healthcare, DEAR Foundation Switzerland and Gravittas Foundation signed agreements covering palliative care, psycho-oncology, children’s mental health and training programmes. The Tourism Department signed a MoU with the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce for healthcare and recovery services.

“Strengthening healthcare education is not only a public health priority – it is an economic opportunity of the first order,” said Madhuri Misal, Minister of State for Medical Education, Maharashtra.

Investment commitments included INR 200 crore by Nipro Pharmapackaging, INR 470 crore by Pharmax and INR 50 crore by Savvycare. These are linked to the Bulk Drug Park to be developed by Ramky Infrastructure under a public-private partnership model with Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation.

The state reported that it runs more than 17,000 medical seats across undergraduate, postgraduate and superspeciality programmes.

Sessions at the event included discussions on policy, clinical training and medical education. A session on National Medical Commission Vision 2030 included participants from MUHS, the US Department of State, NHSRC, Fortis and the Asian Cancer Institute. Demonstrations on AI in medical education were also held.

Muffazal Lakdawala, Director of General and Minimal Access Surgery at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, conducted remote robotic surgeries during the event using systems powered by Meril.

The event also featured participation from organisations including ARTPARK, 4baseCare, Vision Eyes, KhushyBaby and Yashraj Biotechnologies. A surgical robotics session included participants from NHS, Apollo, Hinduja and Tata Memorial.

The Maharashtra Declaration was signed by organisations including Hinduja, Birla, CIDCO, MIDC, MMRDA, Skills H&TE, Bayer, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, the University of Leeds, Manchester Metropolitan University and the Institute of Sport.

The state outlined plans to promote centres, clinical research, industry and academic collaboration, and healthcare services under Viksit Maharashtra 2047.