Mumbai: BMC-Run V N Desai Hospital In Santacruz East To Suspend Full Operations For 90 Days After Diwali; Patients To Be Shifted

Mumbai's V N Desai Hospital, operated by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), will halt its full operations for 90 days following Diwali, according to official sources. Patients from surrounding areas such as Santacruz East, Khar, Vakola, and Kalina will be required to travel to Bandra, Kurla, or Vile Parle for urgent and specialized medical care during this period.

The suspension of outpatient department (OPD) services, along with other medical treatments, will only resume with temporary container facilities within the hospital premises. Emergency cases will be transferred via ambulance to Bhabha Hospital in Bandra or Cooper Hospital in Vile Parle, as announced by Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Health) Sharad Ughade. Hospital staff will be temporarily reassigned to Bhabha Hospital and Trauma Care Hospital in Jogeshwari to maintain healthcare services.

The primary reason for the shutdown is the need to perform major electrical and sewerage work, as the hospital falls under the C2 category and must be vacated for renovation. Although the civil work has been completed, the remaining tasks involve electrical work, which necessitates the vacating of the building. The civic administration has consulted all relevant committees before making the decision and remains confident that the renovation will be completed within the 90-day timeframe, allowing normal hospital operations to resume promptly.

Local representatives have raised concerns about the renovation process, noting that around 80% of the work has already been completed. They have voiced apprehensions regarding the possibility of the three-month shutdown being extended. The BMC has defended its decision, emphasizing that vacating the building is essential for conducting the remaining work safely.