Rons Bantwal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 6: Alleging that the Holy Spirit Hospital in Andheri East is flouting government regulations by failing to provide free medical treatment to economically weaker sections, a delegation from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP – Sharad Pawar faction) visited the hospital on Tuesday and held a high-level meeting with its trustees and directors.

The visit came after growing complaints that poor and middle-class patients were denied access to government-mandated free or subsidised healthcare services. The NCP team confirmed that the hospital had not displayed any visible government notice boards informing the public about such schemes — a clear violation of transparency norms.

Taking strong note of this, the delegation demanded the hospital immediately:

• Reserve 30 beds for poor and lower-middle-class patients at concessional rates

• Install large, clearly visible signage at the hospital entrance, outlining available free and subsidised services

Hospital authorities responded positively to the demands. They assured the delegation that a meeting would be convened soon with all department heads to implement the necessary measures. They agreed in principle to offer free treatment to 30 patients across departments, particularly benefiting those from low-income backgrounds.

The NCP leaders also highlighted the lack of proper communication between hospital staff and patients. They urged the hospital to establish dedicated medical help centres to bridge the gap between doctors, nurses, and patients, and to ensure smoother service delivery.

“We were informed that instructions have already been issued to improve patient-staff coordination and set up centralised help desks. The hospital has accepted the suggestion and assured quick implementation,” said Laxman C Poojary Chitrapu, senior vice-president of NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) and observer for North Central Mumbai District.

The NCP delegation included Mumbai general secretary Vilasrao Shinde, local leaders from BMC Ward 121, and other party office-bearers. They were formally received by the hospital's trustee president, secretary, and public relations officers.

The party has warned it will continue to monitor the hospital’s compliance and escalate the issue if corrective measures are not taken soon.