Mumbai: MLA Sana Malik-Shaikh Flags Misuse Of Free Beds In Charitable Hospitals, Seeks Govt Accountability

Mumbai: MLA Sana Malik-Shaikh from Anushaktinagar Assembly constituency has drawn the government's attention to the alleged misuse of subsidized and reserved free beds meant for underprivileged patients in Mumbai’s charitable hospitals. Raising the issue through a Calling Attention motion in the Assembly, she questioned what steps the government is taking to hold these hospitals accountable.

Highlighting the responsibilities of charitable trust-run hospitals that receive extensive benefits from the government—such as low-cost land and subsidies—MLA Malik-Shaikh pointed out that these hospitals are bound to offer low-cost or free treatment to economically weaker sections. However, she alleged that many hospitals are failing to meet these obligations and are neglecting poor patients.

She backed her claim with data from a survey conducted by India CSR through Vikas Global Charitable Trust between 2023 and 2024. The report showed that while 71% of beds are supposed to be free for Below Poverty Line (BPL) patients, and 92% reserved for economically weaker sections (EWS), only 2% are allotted for IPS quota. Despite this, actual utilization of these beds for the intended beneficiaries remains dismal.

In particular, Malik-Shaikh cited:

Bhatia General Hospital: Only 52.62% of free beds are used for BPL patients.

Somaiya Hospital: 99.3% of beds meant for EWS.

SL Raheja, Breach Candy, and Masina Hospitals: 95% of their beds are designated for EWS patients.

She further reminded the House that a digital portal was launched in 2024 by then CM Devendra Fadnavis, aimed at coordinating medical colleges, charitable hospitals, and district collectors. However, she questioned whether this portal will be made publicly accessible to ensure transparency and awareness.

Raising multiple pressing questions to the government, she asked:

Will the government install clear signage outside hospitals to inform citizens of the availability of free and reserved beds?

What steps will be taken to ensure awareness of such facilities among the general public?

Will real-time updates on vacant beds be provided?

How will the government help patients who cannot access digital platforms to avail these services?

Sana Malik-Shaikh’s pointed questioning called for greater transparency, stronger enforcement, and citizen-friendly measures to ensure that benefits meant for the poor actually reach them. She demanded immediate government intervention to stop the systemic neglect and misuse happening in charitable hospitals.