Mid-Day Impact: After report on doctor shortage, BMC clears revival of defunct Aarey hospital

In six months, Aarey Hospital will be equipped with proper infrastructure. File pic/Nimesh Dave

There is good news for the residents of Aarey Milk Colony who have long depended on Aarey Hospital. Officials from the Aarey chief executive's office told mid-day that the BMC has given an in-principle nod to operate the hospital. In October, mid-day had reported how over 1,00,000 residents in Aarey had access to just one government doctor. The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) is also currently hearing a case related to the issue.

The CEO of Aarey Milk Colony, S Shirpurkar, said, "In another five to six months, Aarey Hospital will be equipped with proper infrastructure and necessary facilities. The BMC has given its in-principle approval to run the hospital as a primary healthcare centre. It will have a doctor and staff on duty round-the-clock, which will greatly benefit local residents, including those living in tribal hamlets."

One lakh residents of Aarey Colony have access to just one govt doctor. File pics/Nimesh Dave

In December 2024, mid-day had reported that, following its earlier story highlighting the poor state of Aarey Hospital - managed by the Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Department - renovation work had begun with an estimated budget of Rs 1.10 crore.

On October 18, mid-day published a report, which highlighted that only one doctor was available for a population of over one lakh within Aarey Milk Colony. On October 21, the SHRC issued directives to the department to deposit Rs 50,000 into the CM's Relief Fund within four weeks for failing to submit improvement plans.

These directives came during the hearing of a case prompted by a 2022 mid-day report that exposed the hospital's dismal state. The SHRC had taken suo motu cognisance of the report and sought details to upgrade healthcare services. During a visit in October 2023, mid-day found only one doctor, a pharmacist, and a few staff members on duty. The hospital's structure was in poor condition.

This newspaper has consistently highlighted the plight of Aarey residents, whether they fall ill, suffer injuries, or encounter wild animals. These patients are often rushed to the Trauma centre in Goregaon East, on the Western Express Highway, as the only hospital in the area remains barely functional. The BMC conducts vaccination drives twice a week, but essential medicines remain in short supply.

The area has 27 tribal hamlets, about 32 slum pockets, and several cattle farm units. While a few small private dispensaries exist, residents insist that a fully-equipped govt hospital is desperately needed.