Bhayandar: In a move that is sure to raise hopes of the 12 lakh-plus population towards getting better medical facilities in the twin-city, the BJP governed Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) has hammered out a solution to end the logjam surrounding the handover of the Bharat Ratna Late Pandit Bhimsen Joshi (Tembha) Hospital in Bhayandar to the state government authorities. A delegation, comprising MBMC chief Balaji Khatgaonkar and legislator Narendra Mehta, met health minister Eknath Shinde to fine tune the modalities for a smooth transition.
The hospital was staring at closure owing to the tug of war between the state government and the civic administration. After extended delays, the state government had finally taken over the hospital from the MBMC. Subsequently, a deed-of-assignment (DoA) was inked between the MBMC and the Deputy Director of Health Services in May 2018, paving the way for possession.
However, for a smoother transition, it was mutually decided the MBMC will bear the expenses towards salary, security, laundry and housekeeping for a year. Apart from setting up OTs and ICUs, other civil work on top floor of the 100-bed hospital was also to be borne. The MBMC received a major setback when the government authorities in an official communication, flatly refused to shoulder the responsibility due to the civic administration’s failure in honoring its commitments.
This following a report by a government-appointed panel, which according to the civic administration, did not care to meet them before taking such a crucial decision. The MBMC delegation expressed their willingness to deposit Rs5 crore in an escrow account if needed, following which the minister directed a joint committee to revisit the hospital and complete the transition at the earliest.
- Suresh Golani
