Mumbai's BMC Chief Pushes 'Patient First' with Hospital Inspections and Upgrades

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Ashwini Bhide has directed civic hospitals to prioritise patient care under a 'Patient First' approach. She recently inspected key healthcare facilities to assess services and infrastructure improvements across Mumbai. Bhide began her visit at Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar (Shatabdi) Hospital in Kandivali. She examined the NICU, maternity, and surgery departments to evaluate their operations and patient experience. The visit highlighted the BMC’s commitment to enhancing public healthcare infrastructure.

She then reviewed the new 490-bed Harilal Bhagwati Hospital building in Borivali, which is set to provide super-speciality services. Bhide instructed authorities to speed up its commissioning without affecting existing services. She also emphasised the need to complete the 325-bed super-speciality hospital project on time.

During her tour, Bhide assessed monsoon preparedness, including waterlogging prevention and drain-cleaning measures in surrounding areas. She also reviewed actions against illegal constructions. Additionally, she inspected Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Aapla Dawakhana centres and other municipal health institutions.

Bhide stressed the importance of citizen-centric healthcare. She called for more transparent and efficient hospital processes to improve service delivery. The inspections and directives aim to strengthen Mumbai’s public healthcare system. The BMC’s focus remains on improving infrastructure, patient care, and operational efficiency across its hospitals. These steps are expected to enhance service quality and accessibility for residents.