Mumbai: Two Covid-related deaths were recently reported at Mumbai’s King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital, highlighting ongoing risks for patients with pre-existing health conditions. Doctors confirmed that the fatalities were not caused by COVID-19 alone but were compounded by comorbidities.
One of the deceased was a 14-year-old child suffering from kidney failure linked to nephrotic syndrome, while the other was a 54-year-old cancer patient undergoing treatment, reported the Hindustan Times. Despite these cases, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) stated that there is no need for public panic.
Officials stated that although the number of Covid cases has risen slightly in May compared to earlier months, the infection is now considered endemic and manageable. The BMC also noted that hospitals such as Seven Hills and Kasturba remain equipped with dedicated Covid beds, which can be scaled up as needed in case of future surges.
Thane Covid Facility Left Abondoned
However, while the healthcare system in Mumbai maintains a state of readiness, the situation in Thane paints a contrasting picture of neglect. A once-crucial Covid-19 field hospital, created in a 1.20 lakh sq ft parking plaza near Jupiter Hospital during the height of the pandemic, now lies abandoned and in disrepair.
Originally built as a rapid-response facility in 2020, the makeshift hospital housed around 1,000 general beds and 200 ICU beds with ventilators. Each ventilator reportedly cost around Rs 7 lakh, with the total investment by the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) exceeding Rs 10 crore.
Today, the site is a shadow of its former self. Dust-covered hospital beds, disused ICU equipment, and idle ambulances sit exposed to the elements, with no maintenance or repurposing efforts by local authorities. According to a source familiar with the facility, none of the expensive infrastructure has been utilised or stored properly since the pandemic subsided, raising concerns over asset mismanagement.
The abandoned site has drawn criticism for the lack of accountability and proper planning in the aftermath of the health crisis. What once stood as a symbol of resilience and rapid emergency response now highlights the pressing need for sustainable post-pandemic resource management.
