In a decisive move, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has removed Dr. Sudhir Medhekar from his administrative role as Dean of HBT Medical College and Dr. RN Cooper Municipal General Hospital. This action follows mounting complaints of administrative irregularities under his tenure.
Academic Duties Retained, Powers Withdrawn
As per an official BMC order, Dr. Medhekar will now solely perform his academic responsibilities as the Head of the Dermatology Department. The order, issued by Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Public Health) Sharad Ughade, also confirmed the withdrawal of all administrative and financial powers held by Dr. Medhekar until further notice.
Inquiry into Mismanagement Initiated
As reported by Hindustan Times, the BMC has launched an inquiry into “various irregularities at administrative and other levels” within the medical college and hospital in Juhu. Until the investigation is complete, Neelam Andrade, Director of Major BMC Hospitals, will temporarily assume all duties of the dean in coordination with Ughade.
Contractual Workers Unpaid for Months
Although the BMC order did not specify the exact irregularities, multiple hospital sources revealed that numerous contractual workers—including cleaning and clerical staff—had not received salaries for over four months. Despite repeated attempts to reach the administration, the dean allegedly did not respond.
Suspicions Over Tender Mismanagement
A senior BMC official, on condition of anonymity, cited suspected irregularities in contract and tender management. “Contractors were unpaid, threatening a strike that disrupted hospital operations. This caused delays in medical services and exposed Dr. Medhekar’s lack of administrative capability,” the official said.
Resident Doctors Denied Stipend Hike
Adding to the discontent, senior resident doctors were reportedly not paid the revised stipends as per the Maharashtra government’s March 2024 directive, which mandated a ₹10,000 increase. The delay in implementation prompted several doctors to approach the state government and BMC for redressal.
DNB Graduates Employed Under Exploitative Terms
Several DNB (Diplomate of National Board) graduates claimed they never received formal employment orders. Instead, they were hired as low-paid contractual workers. These doctors allegedly worked over 12-hour shifts with salaries as low as ₹15,000. This was substantially less than what MD/MS residents earned for performing the same duties.
Manpower Crisis Deepens at Civic Hospital
The staffing crisis, exacerbated by poor administrative practices, severely disrupted hospital functioning. “Due to ongoing manpower shortages, many overburdened residents couldn’t even consider striking,” said a hospital resident, who wished to remain anonymous.
Doctors Seek Intervention from Senior Officials
Frustrated with the situation, resident doctors escalated the matter to senior civic officials. These included Deputy Commissioner Sharad Ughade, Additional Commissioner Vipin Sharma, and Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani. The doctors urged immediate corrective action.