Almost 50 separate projects will receive money under the first round of the program announced by Health Minister Martin Foley on Saturday.

Mr Foley says the newly created Metropolitan Health Infrastructure Fund (MHIF) will ensure services across metropolitan areas can continue to provide world-class healthcare for all Victorians.

Twenty six health services, community health and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations will benefit in total.

They include Austin Health in Melbourne's northeast, which will receive almost $26 million for upgrades at its Heidelberg sites to boost surgery capabilities.

More than $5.7 million will go to upgrade the Aboriginal Community Elders Services in Brunswick, and Central Bayside Community Health Services will receive more than $2.6 million.

The MHIF is also enabling health services and agencies to adopt new technologies and deliver contemporary models of care, Mr Foley said.

To help researchers and clinicians diagnose diseases, $5.2 million is being invested to deliver a new anatomical pathology lab at Royal Melbourne Hospital.

Established as part of the Victorian budget, the MHIF provides funds for construction, remodelling and refurbishment projects, equipment, information and communication technology and other upgrade works.

Mr Foley says the government has invested more than $133 billion in Victoria's healthcare system since 2014.

Australian Associated Press