Mumbai, Dec 09: In the wake of repeated complaints regarding patient safety, security lapses, hygiene issues, and infrastructure shortcomings, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani on Tuesday visited Dr R. N. Cooper Hospital, Vile Parle, to conduct a detailed inspection of medical services and facilities.
Concerns Over Security & Overcrowding
The visit comes amid growing concerns over incidents of misbehaviour with medical staff, rising footfall of unauthorised attendants, overcrowding in emergency wards, and the need to strengthen hospital security and surveillance systems.
Directives Issued for Security and Surveillance
During the inspection, Gagrani instructed hospital authorities to tighten security arrangements, implement a strict visitor management system, and bring the entire hospital premises under CCTV surveillance. He also directed that problems faced by patients must be resolved immediately and on a priority basis.
Departments Reviewed During Inspection
The Commissioner reviewed key departments including the casualty (emergency) ward, general and specialty wards, maternity section, paediatric unit, operation theatres, cath lab, laboratories, and medicine distribution centre. He assessed emergency response systems, cleanliness, availability of beds, medicine stocks, and the registration process.
Infrastructure, Manpower & Equipment Scrutiny
Gagrani also sought detailed updates on pending repair works, medical equipment status, manpower availability, and technical issues. He set strict timelines for completing infrastructure upgrades and strengthening sanitation and biomedical waste management.
Patient Feedback Taken for Immediate Action
Interacting with patients, he gathered feedback on treatment timelines, cleanliness, water supply, electricity, and toilet facilities, and directed officials to take immediate corrective steps based on the inputs received.
Hospital Under Criticism After Safety Lapses
Cooper Hospital has recently come under scrutiny following serious operational challenges, including biomedical waste mismanagement, sanitation failures, staff shortages, and administrative instability.
The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) had issued a show-cause notice after inspections revealed improper segregation of infectious waste, hazardous dumping practices, and non-functional sewage treatment facilities.
Shocking Cases of Negligence Reported Earlier
The hospital has also faced backlash over multiple patient safety incidents. Several patients reportedly fell from hospital beds, including a 75-year-old woman from the female ward. In other alarming cases, elderly patients were allegedly bitten by rats inside hospital wards, with images of the injuries going viral, raising serious questions about hygiene, pest control, and patient safety protocols.
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Senior Officials Present During Visit
Senior officials including Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Public Health) Sharad Ughade, Dean Dr Sudhir Medhekar, and Medical Superintendent Dev Shetty were present during the visit.
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