Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has finalized a contractor for upgrading 14 dispensaries under the Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray (HBT) Aapla Davakhana scheme in the city’s western suburbs. The civic body is set to spend ₹7.05 crore to bolster primary healthcare delivery in the region.
7 Existing Clinics To Be Upgraded, 7 New Units To Be Converted Into Aapla Davakhanas
As part of the initiative, seven existing dispensaries will be upgraded, and seven ready-to-use civic structures will be converted into modern, citizen-friendly clinics. These clinics will offer free outpatient services and basic diagnostic facilities closer to people’s homes.
The contract has been awarded to M/s Perfect Engineering Corporation, with a 12-month completion timeline that includes the monsoon period. Final administrative approval is currently awaited.
Scheme Inspired By Delhi’s Mohalla Clinics; Over 200 Units Approved Citywide
Launched in August 2022 and inspired by Delhi’s Mohalla Clinics, the Aapla Davakhana scheme aims to decentralize healthcare and make quality services more accessible at the neighborhood level. This latest phase includes the development of 14 new clinics across the western suburbs.
Initial Tender Delayed Due To Lok Sabha Polls; Bids Finalised After Fresh Round
Although administrative approval was granted in March 2024, the initial round of e-tendering did not attract bidders, largely due to restrictions under the Model Code of Conduct during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
A fresh round of tenders was floated in September after the elections, which received valid bids. M/s Perfect Engineering Corporation was selected as the lowest responsive bidder following evaluation.
Scope Includes AC, CCTV, Renovations, Fire Safety, Plumbing & Electrical Upgrades
The scope of work includes extensive civil, electrical, and mechanical upgrades—such as interior renovations, furniture, air-conditioning, CCTV installation, fire safety systems, and improvements to plumbing and lighting.
Civic officials stated that this expansion aligns with BMC’s broader objective of strengthening preventive care and reducing the patient load on major municipal hospitals. Each clinic will provide general outpatient services, free medicines, diagnostic tests, antenatal care, and counselling.
To date, over 200 Aapla Davakhanas have been approved across Mumbai, with many already operational in the island city and eastern suburbs. The upcoming expansion seeks to address critical healthcare gaps in the rapidly growing western corridor. Work is expected to begin later this year, pending final approvals.
