Maharashtra Government will soon begin an emergency response service that will reach accident sites in 15-20 minutes, the state assembly was informed today.

Health Minister Suresh Shetty told the legislative assembly during the question hour that tenders in this regard would be issued in a day or two.

"Trained paramedics would be involved in the service," Shetty said while replying to supplementaries to a main question raised by Shiv Sena MLA from Mahad Bharat Gogawale about lack of funds for constructing trauma care centre in his constituency in Raigad district.

Earlier intervening in the discussion, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who is also the State Finance Minister said estimates for construction of trauma care centres would be prepared based on the proposed building, furniture and staff.

"It has come to light that proposals for such centres are in an incomplete stage when funds are sought," he said.

Speaker Dilip Walse Patil withheld a question related to dues of Rs four crore under Jeevandayi scheme to government hospital in Aurangabad.

Health Minister Suresh Shetty admitted that provisions of Rs 250 crore made last year in the budget for the scheme had not been utilised.

He said he has been holding discussions with the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister in this connection since a revised scheme is being implemented.

When Ganpatrao Deshmukh (PWP) wanted to know why online payment initiative was not being implemented under the scheme, Shetty said the old Jeevandayi scheme did not have the provision and would be implemented under the new scheme.

This did not satisfy the Opposition and the Speaker said he was withholding the question.