Mumbai Healthcare Crisis: Ghatkopar’s Rajawadi Hospital Faces 30 Per Cent Doctor Shortage; Single RMO Handles 400–500 Patients Per Shift

In Ghatkopar, Mumbai, Rajawadi Hospital is grappling with a severe shortage of Resident Medical Officers (RMOs) in its Department of Medicine, according to a former BMC Leader of Opposition, Pravin Chheda. A single doctor is reportedly managing between 400 and 500 patients during a shift, and as many as 800 on a recent Sunday, Chheda alleged in a letter to the BMC Additional Municipal Commissioner (City & Health).

Chheda expressed deep concern over the situation, particularly during the monsoon season when illnesses such as dengue, malaria, and leptospirosis are on the rise. The shortage has led to long patient queues and additional strain on the existing medical staff, he claimed. When Chheda discussed the issue with the hospital's superintendent, Dr Bharti Rajulwar, she attributed the long queues to multiple doctors being on leave.

Chheda questioned the administration's decision, deeming it "mismanagement" that was causing delays and increasing pressure on the available medical manpower. He further demanded immediate intervention from the BMC's Additional Municipal Commissioner (Health) to address the shortage and ensure uninterrupted healthcare services for the thousands of patients who depend on the hospital.

The hospital, which serves Mumbai's eastern suburbs, sees around 2,500 to 3,000 patients on its OPD daily and admits approximately 125 patients to its inpatient department daily. The facility currently houses 596 beds, including 11 ICU, 20 NICU, 10 trauma, and six dialysis stations. Chheda urged the BMC to strengthen and modernize the Medicine Department to prevent overcrowding and maintain uninterrupted healthcare services.