Following sustained pressure from the Maharashtra Human Rights Commission (MSHRC) and repeated discussions in the state legislature, the Maharashtra government has officially transferred the Aarey Colony Hospital to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on a 30-year lease.
Rights Panel Sparks Action on Neglected Hospital
As reported by Hindustan Times, the MSHRC took suo motu cognisance of the hospital’s deteriorating condition in 2022. In its findings, the commission sharply criticised the Dairy Development Department for failing to maintain the facility. Responding to the censure and growing public concerns, the state government approved the transfer to BMC, which now plans to upgrade and manage healthcare services in the region.
A Long-Neglected Facility Gets a New Lifeline
The government originally established the hospital on a 1,932 sq metre plot with a 674 sq metre built-up area to serve employees of Aarey Dairy—the largest of Mumbai’s three dairies in Kurla, Worli, and Aarey. Over time, the number of dairy staff dwindled from 600 to just 65. Despite this decline, Aarey remains home to nearly 100,000 residents, including 27 tribal hamlets and 32 slum clusters, creating an urgent need for accessible healthcare services.
Renovation Underway Amidst Growing Health Needs
Aarey Milk Colony CEO Shrikant Shipurkar revealed that although the BMC initially requested a larger plot, it ultimately agreed to take over the existing premises. Renovation work has already begun using funds allocated by the District Planning and Development Committee (DPDC). Last year, the state sanctioned ₹1.1 crore for hospital upgrades. However, growing public demand and the area’s unique healthcare challenges—such as snake bites and leopard attacks—accelerated the call to transfer operations to the civic body.
Current Emergency Gaps and the Need for Localised Treatment
Previously, the hospital provided immediate care for wildlife-related injuries and emergencies. In recent years, however, patients have been routinely referred to the Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Trauma Care Centre in Jogeshwari, significantly delaying critical treatment.
Public Welcomes the Decision
Prashant Mohod, Acting Dairy Development Commissioner, confirmed that the BMC had formally requested the facility’s transfer. Reacting to the development, Sanjay Valsan from the Save Aarey movement said, “This was long overdue. The hospital must now be stocked with anti-snake and anti-scorpion venom to avoid preventable deaths.” He highlighted that patients are currently forced to travel as far as Cooper Hospital in Andheri West for such treatments.
Call for Broader Reforms in Aarey
Valsan also urged the state to transfer the local fire station in Aarey to the Mumbai Fire Brigade. He stressed that such a move would significantly enhance the area’s preparedness for forest fires, especially during the dry season.