New Hospital to Address Healthcare Gaps
Mankhurd’s Lallubhai Compound, home to thousands of project-affected families, will soon have a 410-bed multi-speciality hospital. Constructed by MMRDA, the facility will be handed over to BMC in September, nearly a decade after it was first proposed. However, the two ground+9 buildings and an 8-storey staff quarters remain unoccupied for now. Recently, BMC invited bids to operate the hospital under the PPP model.
Delays in Operationalizing the Facility
A BMC official explained the delay:
“We had to provide the premises to EC soon after it was handed over, which delayed further processes.”
The deadline for bid submission is March 27. After awarding the contract, it will take a few months to start OPD services and a year to begin surgeries.
Health Challenges in Lallubhai Compound
Lallubhai Compound houses families living in cramped, poorly ventilated SRA buildings. Many were relocated in the early 2000s from areas such as Elphinstone Road, Bandra, and PD’Mello Road. Today, the compound’s population exceeds 45,000. A 2018 study by Doctors for You found that 8-10% of households had at least one member suffering from TB.
Lara, who works with Yuvva, a community advocacy group, highlighted the residents’ struggles:
“So many families were displaced and relocated here with no facilities whatsoever. Over the years, residents negotiated with authorities to improve civic amenities, but healthcare was never prioritized.”
Residents Travel Long Distances for Treatment
Many residents previously lived near well-established hospitals like KEM, St. George, and JJ. Even today, they continue to travel long distances for healthcare.
Sujata Nikam, a resident since 2005, shared her experience:
“Even now, people still travel all the way there for treatment.”
A few months ago, Sujata’s mother suffered an accident caused by an overflowing garbage bin while shopping for vegetables.
“She slipped and injured her elbow. She was stuck in the garbage pile for at least 30 minutes before people helped her out.”
Limited Access to Quality Healthcare
As reported by TOI, the closest hospital, Shatabdi in Shivaji Nagar, is often bypassed by residents who prefer Rajawadi Hospital, 5 km away, or hospitals further inside the city due to better care.
“We took her to Rajawadi because the facilities there are far better than Shatabdi,” Sujata added.
A Hospital Born from Decades of Advocacy
Lara emphasized that the new hospital is the result of years of community advocacy:
“These issues were taken to corporators, MLAs, and MPs over the years. Some of them only provided assurances.”
With the hospital now nearing completion, residents hope for better healthcare access and improved medical services in Lallubhai Compound.