Maharashtra
Mumbai News: BMC Pushes Ahead With ‘Civic Health Collaboration Model’, Outsourcing Dialysis, MRI, CT Scan & Blood Bank Services
Mumbai: Despite strong opposition from residents and health activists, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is pressing ahead with the privatisation of key hospital services. In its latest move, the civic body has invited tenders for setting up dialysis units, cath labs, MRI and CT scan facilities, and even a blood bank for transfusion patients in various peripheral hospitals through private operators.
New Model Replaces PPP for Hospital Services in Peripheral Facilities
This time, however, the outsourcing will be done under a new ‘Civic Health Collaboration Model’ instead of the earlier public-private partnership (PPP) framework.
Under this model, the civic body will rent out space in its peripheral hospitals to private operators, who will run these services and charge patients as per agreed rates. However, there is no clarity on the minimum number of patients to be referred daily from BMC hospitals for these facilities.
A senior official from the BMC’s Health Department admitted the model is not significantly different from the earlier PPP arrangement. “It is similar to the PPP model, where patients still have to pay for these services,” the official said.
The peripheral hospitals where this model will be implemented include Rajawadi Hospital in Ghatkopar, MT Agarwal in Mulund, Dr Ambedkar Hospital in Kandivli, Bhabha Hospitals in Bandra and Kurla, and Bhagwati Hospital in Borivali.
Dialysis at Rs 500 per Session for BMC Patients; Government Scheme Rates Apply
Under the new model, the civic body will set up dialysis centres at its peripheral hospitals in Borivali, Mulund, Ghatkopar, and Kandivali for a period of 10 years, with the option of two extensions of 10 years each. BMC patients will be charged Rs 500 per dialysis session, while those covered under government schemes will be billed as per approved rates.
Similarly, MRI and CT scan facilities will be established at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Hospital, Kandivali (West), Khurshidjee Behramjee Bhabha General Hospital, Bandra (West), Harilal Bhagwati Municipal Hospital, Borivali, and M.T. Agrawal Municipal Hospital, Mulund. The civic body will provide dedicated space for these services on an annual rental basis.
Activists Warn of Commercialisation, Lack of Patient Referral Safeguards
However, the tender documents do not specify the service charges or the minimum number of BMC-referred patients to be served daily. “Without such clarity, the private operator could run the facility for commercial purposes, catering to patients from outside hospitals,” warned a health activist.
Health activists have questioned whether the civic body — which operates 212 health posts, 192 dispensaries, 30 maternity homes, and five specialised hospitals, including four medical colleges and major hospitals in the city — is steadily moving towards the privatisation of key healthcare services. “We have already seen doctors being appointed on contract, and even an unregistered doctor working in the ICU of V.N. Desai Hospital,” one activist said.
Maharashtra
Mumbai: Abu Asim meets Chief Secretary Rajesh Agarwal regarding provision of essential health facilities at Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Hospital.

In order to provide medical facilities to the people in Mumbai Govandi area, MLA Abu Asim Azmi met the Chief Secretary here in the backdrop of facilities and drew his attention towards the necessary facilities. The hospital is facing shortage of doctors, medical staff and key personnel required for emergency services. Pregnant women are also unable to access proper medical care. Moreover, despite the availability of machines and chairs in the dental department, there is a shortage of doctors and staff. Azmi demanded immediate restoration of essential services including the non-functional X-ray machine in Shatabdi Hospital. After reviewing the situation in both the hospitals, Rajesh Agarwal gave a positive assurance that immediate action would be taken. Azmi said that our aim is to ensure that the people of Govandi get better and timely health services.
Maharashtra
Devendra Fadnavis rules out move to national politics; says he will remain in Maharashtra until 2029

Mumbai, Sep 3: Amid ongoing speculation regarding his potential shift to national politics in New Delhi, Maharashtra Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday firmly put an end to the rumours, clarifying that he will continue to serve in the state until at least 2029.
Speaking at the infra conclave organised by a Marathi TV channel, CM Fadnavis addressed the recurring reports about his move to the national Capital, noting that his future remains in the hands of his party leadership.
“My party and my leaders will decide my role. The day they decide, I will certainly go to Delhi. But as of today, it is my view that I am not going to Delhi until 2029,” he stated.
Dismissing the frequent media chatter, he added with a touch of humour: “Some of my well-wishers believe that going to Delhi would be a promotion for me, while others think that if I leave, a burden will be lifted off their heads. Whether people like it or not, my leaders will keep me in Maharashtra until 2029. Every two to three months, whenever someone lacks news or wants to create hype, they send me to Delhi. I actually enjoy it.”
The CM’s clarification comes after Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha MP, Sanjay Raut, on Thursday made a dramatic claim, stating that despite Devendra Fadnavis ruling out a shift to national politics, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants him in New Delhi to entrust him with a major responsibility.
Speaking to the media, Raut claimed that discussions regarding Fadnavis’ elevation are actively underway within the inner circles of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
“Prime Minister Modi wants to bring Devendra Fadnavis to Delhi and assign him a significant responsibility. This much I know for a fact,” he said.
Elaborating further on the internal deliberations of the RSS, Raut claimed that the Sangh wants a key leader who is not currently part of the Union Cabinet to be appointed as the Deputy Prime Minister.
”According to information from within the RSS circles, the Sangh holds the view that a crucial leader who is not currently in the Central government should be appointed as Deputy Prime Minister. The RSS believes that the individual slated to be PM Modi’s successor in the Cabinet should be positioned in the role of Deputy Prime Minister—and as far as I know, that person is currently not in Delhi,” Raut added.
Meanwhile, CM Fadnavis also outlined his vision for Maharashtra’s economic future, emphasising that the state is on the verge of achieving its goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy. Highlighting the state’s current progress, he noted that while Maharashtra’s current growth rate stands at an impressive 8.8 per cent, it needs to cross the 10 per cent mark to meet its target within the decade.
“Many states dream of reaching a $1 trillion economy, but Maharashtra is closest to achieving it because we have already reached $660 billion,” Fadnavis said, adding that, “If we maintain a sustained growth rate, we will undoubtedly become a $1 trillion economy by 2030.”
Maharashtra
BMC takes action against Mumbai Central Orchid City Mall; mall shut down.

Mumbai: The Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated a coordinated action to implement the directions issued by the court. The Supreme Court had issued the necessary directions regarding the Orchid City Centre Mall located on Belasis Road in Mumbai Central area. As part of this process, a joint notice has been issued to the concerned owners/developers as well as the users/occupants of stalls, units and shops, directing them to vacate the premises of Orchid City Centre Mall. Further, clear instructions have been issued that entry or use of the mall premises is prohibited until formal permission is obtained from the competent authority. A coordination meeting was recently held by the BMC’s ‘D’ ward. Officers of the concerned municipal departments, representatives of Nagpada Police Station and Best Undertaking as well as representatives associated with Orchid City Centre Mall also attended the meeting. During the meeting, the representatives of the mall management were directed to voluntarily and strictly comply with the order of the Supreme Court. Supreme Court Orders In 2020, a fire broke out at the Orchid City Centre Mall located on Belasis Road in Mumbai Central. In this context, the Supreme Court issued directions on August 25, 2026. It should be strictly ensured that the entire Orchid City Centre Mall building which has been damaged due to fire shall not be used for any purpose until the developer completes comprehensive repairs of the entire structure. The building cannot be used in any manner until the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) administration is satisfied that the entire structure (including all floors) is completely safe for all activities and works and complies with all legal requirements. Directions issued by the court The Supreme Court has ordered that the entire building be kept completely sealed and no one should be allowed to enter the premises.
In light of the Supreme Court order, on the directions of the Supreme Court, it was decided during the meeting to conduct a joint operation to vacate the Orchid City Centre Mall building, involving the Building and Factory Department, Building Proposal Department and Mumbai Fire Brigade of the BMC. Accordingly, a joint notice has been issued to the concerned owners/developers as well as the users/occupants of the stalls, units and shops regarding the vacating of the building. Public notices prohibiting citizens and users from entering, using or occupying the building have been displayed in the premises of the mall. The notices clarify that the entire Orchid City Centre Mall cannot be used, and entry will remain strictly prohibited, until the Hon’ble. Supreme Court’s directions are followed and prior permission is taken from the competent authority. Meanwhile, instructions have been issued to disconnect the water supply of the mall, take appropriate action regarding the municipal license and disconnect the electricity supply (except for the electricity required for construction purposes). Nagpara Police has been directed to provide necessary police security for the smooth conduct of the operation and maintenance of law and order.
The BMC administration appeals to all concerned parties to voluntarily comply with the court’s directions. They are urged not to enter or use the premises of the mall until formal permission is obtained from the competent authority and to fully cooperate with the municipal and police administration. However, the administration has made it clear that if the directions are not followed, strict action as per the law and the orders of the Hon’ble Supreme Court will be taken regarding vacating and sealing the premises.
Meanwhile, the concerned departments of the Municipal Corporation will independently take necessary action within their respective legal jurisdiction. The administration has further stated that any future permissions regarding entry, use, or occupancy of the building will be granted by the Municipal Corporation acting as the competent authority, as per the directions issued by the Hon’ble Supreme Court.
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