BMC fails in keeping private clinics open; threatens with police case and lures with PPE kits


On one hand there are complaints of patients failing to get hospital beds on the other hand, many private practitioners have fallen prey to the virus in hotbeds like Dharavi and Govandi which led to shutting down of clinics.

In some cases, even Covid-19 hospitals are not admitting patients unless they have a test report. (File photo: PTI)

On Wednesday, Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) once again ordered private hospitals and clinic to remain open, this was third such order during pandemic which fails to find implementation on ground.

With increasing complaints of patients in Mumbai failing to get hospital beds, local civic body said that criminal action will be initiated against clinics, polyclinics and private hospitals which remain shut.

In its order, Municipal Commissioner IS Chahal observed that many private practitioners are still not open since last two months in spite of orders. Hence, he instructed that police complaints be registered against those who are flouting norms. It was also decided that the BMC will provide PPE kits to the clinics and private hospitals which remain open.

Assistant Commissioners of all wards have been asked to procure 100 beds with 10 ICU beds in their wards to help Covid and non-Covid patients. On one hand there are complaints of patients failing to get hospital beds on the other hand, many private practitioners have fallen prey to the virus in hotbeds like Dharavi and Govandi which led to shutting down of clinics.

“My brother was treating patients in Govandi. When he tested positive and there was no help from the government. A private hospital charged us ?9.5 lakh and six others in our family were also infected. How many doctors will come back to work when risks are this high” said Rizwan Khan.

With increasing cases in slums of Mumbai, private clinics also end up treating Covid-19 positive patients by the time they show symptoms and test results are out. This has raised concerns with the private hospitals in admitting patients.

In some cases, even Covid-19 hospitals are not admitting patients unless they have a test report. Nagpada resident Rajendra Padgu died on May 9 at Nair the day he was tested. Wochardt was the only private hospital which accepted to admit him, but only if he tested positive.

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