Mumbai: The redevelopment of Bhagwati Hospital, a key healthcare facility under the BMC, is on track for completion by May 31. However, Union Minister and Mumbai North MP Piyush Goyal clarified on Saturday that the hospital will not be privatised under any circumstances. He assured that the facility will continue to be operated either by the BMC or through charitable trusts, and will function on a no-profit, no-loss basis.
Goyal chaired a review meeting on Saturday to assess the progress of various infrastructure projects in North Mumbai. The meeting, held at the BMC’s R Central Ward office in Borivali, was attended by senior officials from the BMC, District Collector’s office, MMRDA, MHADA, SRA, and the Mumbai Police. The meeting came against the backdrop of growing criticism faced by the BMC from its own workers and political parties over the proposal to partially privatise the civic-run Bhagwati Hospital.
Addressing a press conference after the meeting, Goyal firmly stated that the hospital will not be privatised and added that he has instructed civic officials to ensure it operates only under civic and charitable hospital rates.
"It will be run on a no-profit, no-loss basis by the BMC or a charitable organisation, with services for the poor available under the Ayushman Bharat scheme," said Goyal.
Meanwhile, a 1,000-bed hospital is already under construction at Magathane, and another will be built in Kandivali West. A new hospital is also planned in Gorai, all of which will offer services under the Ayushman scheme.
Former UBT Shiv Sena MLA Vinod Ghosalkar had recently met with the Municipal Commissioner to express strong opposition to the BMC’s proposal to involve private partners in managing a portion of the redeveloped Bhagwati Hospital.
As per the civic body’s earlier plan, the hospital’s capacity—currently at 110 beds—is set to expand to 490 beds upon full redevelopment. Of these, the BMC proposed to directly manage 147 beds, while seeking private partners for the remaining capacity.
Goyal has also directed the police, BMC, and District Collector to take action against land mafias in Malvani, who are allegedly using trucks for illegal encroachments. He announced that additional police force will be deployed and proposals for new police stations at Ambuj wadi and Aksa have been initiated. He has instructed the officials to remove hawkers and encroachments outside railway stations.
