BMC told to end cancer patient's commute pain

A cancer patient could soon be able to avoid her commuting pain, as the Bombay High Court has asked Municipal Commissioner Ajoy Mehta to personally look into her request for an alternative accommodation near Tata Memorial Hospital.

The HC has asked the civic chief to go through the middle-aged woman's medical records and pass an order by March 6. The woman moved the court after her application was rejected by the deputy municipal commissioner and decision was confirmed by additional municipal commissioner

"Is the deputy municipal commission an expert in medical science? Why did he and the additional municipal commissioner not take expert advice from doctors," asked the court.

The breast cancer patient, a project affected person, has been given an alternate accommodation by the corporation at Mankhurd. She said it was becoming very difficult for her use local trains and buses to reach the hospital.

BMC contended that acceding to her request might set a precedent, but the HC did not accept the argument. "In our view, the case of the petition will fall in exceptional category and therefore, even if the case of the petitioner is accepted, it will not be a precedent."

The woman in her petition also highlighted the fact there the corporation does not have a policy in regards to allotment of quarters to its staff. To which the court has also asked the civic body to consider framing a policy for allotment of quarters on compassionate grounds.