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BMC says Wadia trust must bear repair expense of children's hospital

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The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Wednesday filed an affidavit in the Bombay High Court stating it was not liable to pay the repair and renovation expenses for Bai Jerbai Wadia Children's Hospital and that it's the sole responsibility of Wadia Trust.

The hospital shut down after subsidy to it was stopped and is operating from another place since 2009, when it closed for renovation.

The affidavit was filed by Akansha Kundle from the administration office at GS Medical College. It states that on January 4, 2012, the civic body approved a new formula for contributing grant in aid to Wadia hospital, and accordingly, it is liable to pay only the salaries of the staff and expenses incurred for clothing and medicines.

These grants are being paid regularly, but the repair work does not fall under the purview of the civic body, it falls under the purview of Wadia Trust, the affidavit adds.

A division bench of chief justice Mohit Shah and justice BP Colabawala directed the trust to file its reply by January 20.

The affidavit was filed during the hearing of a public interest litigation filed by rights activist Kamayani Mahabal. The PIL alleges no steps have been taken by the authorities to take up the renovation and complete it at the earliest.

The hospital, as per an agreement with the corporation and the Wadias who run the hospital, was to pay half for its running and maintenance. However, since 2005-06, the civic body has stopped giving funds and, thus, the hospital is almost in a dilapidated condition. Hence, the children are being treated in another premise nearby.

According to the PIL, on May 15, 2009, the acting dean issued a circular stating that due to renovation, the services were being shifted to the maternity hospital in the next compound with immediate effect. The functioning of two hospitals from one premises is causing severe hardship and inconvenience as it has led to overcrowding, the PIL adds.

The hospital has 34 paramedical, 123 medical and around 120 menial staff.

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