BMC set to integrate medical technologies at its hospitals

Mumbai Suburban District Guardian Minister Ashish Shelar on Monday directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to adopt advanced healthcare technologies and undertake comprehensive reforms to modernise the city’s public health system.

The Maharashtra minister asserted that quality healthcare for Mumbaikars should remain the civic body’s top priority.

Chairing a high-level review meeting on the functioning and modernisation of the BMC’s Public Health Department at Sahyadri Guest House, Shelar said that the civic body must review its existing healthcare processes, identify gaps, and submit a detailed roadmap for improving efficiency and service delivery.

Shelar, while highlighting the improvements needed to be done in Mumbai’s healthcare infrastructure, said, “We are committed to providing quality healthcare to Mumbaikars. The BMC should examine its administrative processes related to healthcare, identify necessary reforms, and adopt advanced medical technologies to make the system more efficient and contemporary.”

Ashish Shelar directs BMC to improve OPDs and toilet facilities in BMC hospitals
As per an official statement, he also directed the civic body to improve the condition of outpatient departments (OPDs) and toilet facilities in municipal hospitals on a priority basis and announced that regular review meetings would now be held to monitor healthcare infrastructure and initiatives.

The meeting was attended by Co-Guardian Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde, MLAs, senior BMC officials, and health department representatives, including BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide.

Shelar said a separate meeting should be convened in the presence of the Maharashtra Chief Minister to resolve issues involving the State Health Department, Urban Development Department, and other agencies.

The Maharashtra Minister also called for a comprehensive study of all factors affecting patient care and a detailed reform plan to improve healthcare quality.

BMC to integrate modern medical technologies at BMC hospitals
Stressing that infrastructure expansion alone would not be enough, the minister said the BMC should focus on integrating modern medical technologies and MedTech solutions to ensure its healthcare services meet national and global standards.

According to the official statement, Mayor Ritu Tawde called for the speedy filling of vacant posts in the BMC health department and suggested that contractual healthcare workers who served during the Covid-19 pandemic be given priority under a one-time special recruitment policy.

Tawde also directed the administration to fast-track delayed redevelopment projects, including Siddharth Hospital and Rajawadi Hospital, and address pending issues on a war footing.

Ameet Satam stresses better healthcare facilities across Mumbai
MLA Ameet Satam emphasised the need to improve access to healthcare across Mumbai by expanding dialysis facilities, launching a citywide “Diabetes-Free Mumbai” campaign, operationalising planned cancer treatment beds and establishing dedicated mental health centres.

As per the officials, he also urged the BMC to prepare a comprehensive manpower strategy in anticipation of around 5,000 new hospital beds expected to be added to the civic healthcare system over the coming years.

The MLA also highlighted the need for sensitisation training for nurses, OPD doctors, security personnel and other frontline staff interacting directly with patients, saying such initiatives would help municipal hospitals provide more compassionate, respectful and efficient healthcare services.

The review meeting underscored the BMC’s plans to combine infrastructure expansion, technology adoption and administrative reforms to strengthen Mumbai’s public healthcare system while improving patient experience and service delivery. Mid-day