BMC Triumphs with Swift Payments: Suppliers Joyously Resume Essential Medicine Supplies to Mumbai Hospitals

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has pledged to pay 50% of its outstanding dues, totaling Rs 120 crore, to medicine and consumable suppliers within two weeks. This promise has led over 150 suppliers from the All Food and Drugs Licence Holder Foundation (AFDLHF) to end their protest and restart supplying essential medicines to municipal hospitals. The suppliers had previously halted deliveries from January 13 due to unpaid bills. BMC has also committed to settling the remaining dues by February 15.

During a review meeting led by the Additional and Deputy Municipal Commissioners, alongside hospital deans and account officers, the BMC outlined the debts, which include Rs 20 crore owed by major hospitals, Rs 5 crore pending for vigilance compliance, and Rs 35 crore under the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY). The BMC admitted to processing delays in a formal communication and has instructed all hospital deans and account officers to clear half of the pending bills swiftly, while the rest will be addressed by February 15, 2025. They urged suppliers to maintain medicine supplies to ensure seamless patient care.

Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Health) Sanjay Kurhade affirmed efforts to speed up bill payments, stressing that patient care is a priority. Abhay Pandye, President of AFDLHF, expressed relief at the assurance, highlighting the financial strain caused by delayed payments and urging the BMC to improve future payment protocols. While appreciating the resolution, Pandye noted this was not the first encounter with such delays, with many suppliers forced to take loans to stay operational. Both parties hope the BMC will enforce stricter financial measures to prevent future issues.

Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/bmc-mumbai-hospitals-medicine-supplies-9778963/
Category : Cities,Mumbai
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Publish Date: 2025-01-14 20:39:00