Probe into BSES hospital

The BMC on Tuesday ordered an enquiry into the functioning of the 100-bed BSES Municipal General Hospital in Andheri.

Under a public-private partnership agreement, the BMC had handed over the hospital’s reins to the Bramha Kumari Trust in 2002 as it had no money to run it.

The hospital was to charge 33 per cent of its OPD patients as per the BMC rates. Also, 30 per cent of its beds had to be reserved for the poor.

However, the BMC has received complaints of the hospital flouting BMC norms by hiking rates and building an additional floor.

Local corporator Mohsin Hyder alleged the hospital indulged in malpractices like “charging exorbitant rates for surgeries and outdoor patients”. “Moreover, during the 26/7 deluge, like other private hospitals, even BSES refused to take in poor patients who could not pay,” added Hyder.

Said additional municipal commissioner (eastern suburbs), Kishore Gajbhiye, “An enquiry report will be submitted in 15 days and action taken, if the hospital is found guilty.”

Refuting all charges, Dr Ashok Mehta, medical director of the hospital, said, “We are a spiritual organisation. The politicians are out to tarnish our reputation.”

“How can we build an illegal floor next to the BMC’s K-ward office. One-third of the hospital is run like a civic hospital and two-third of it is run like a private.”