Amid vocal opposition from civil organizations, the Andheri Vikas Samiti staged a significant protest on November 6, 2025, in Mumbai, calling for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to reclaim control of the SevenHills hospital. The demonstration, which saw participation from leaders of various political parties-including BJP, NCP, Congress, and Shiv Sena (UBT)—took place outside the hospital located in Andheri East. The protestors adamantly opposed the potential privatization of the hospital under a public-private partnership, particularly resisting plans for industrialist Mukesh Ambani to take over its management.
Rajesh Sharma, Chairman of the Andheri Vikas Samiti, articulated the group’s central demand: “All we want is for BMC to take over the control of the hospital. The previous PPP model failed, burdening patients with high costs. We cannot allow a repeat of this failure.” Sharma emphasized the difficulties faced by economically disadvantaged individuals seeking affordable healthcare, pointing out that access to other private hospitals, such as Kokilaben and Nanavati, remains out of reach for many. He criticized the notion of entrusting the hospital to Ambani, highlighting that many in need would suffer further without intervention.
The SevenHills hospital, designed primarily for cancer patients, has faced dire financial challenges, leading to insolvency proceedings under its previous management. Originally run by Jitendra Das Maganti, the hospital is situated on 16.7 acres and features a capacity of 1,500 beds. Much of the facility has remained underutilized, with only a handful of beds operational over the past decade. Sharma proposed that the BMC could resolve the hospital’s debt issues by utilizing fixed deposits, particularly since the government has previously waived taxes for Ambani’s interests.
Despite the urgency of the situation, efforts to engage with state officials have yielded little response. The Andheri Vikas Samiti has reached out to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and even penned a letter to Ambani, imploring him to reconsider the takeover and facilitate a government-managed solution for the benefit of the local community. Dilip Mane, a member of the Samiti, expressed growing concerns over the lack of action from the Chief Minister and administration, stating, “Continuous follow-ups have been made, but the absence of communication is troubling.”
In a show of solidarity, Shiv Sena Murji Patel vowed to amplify the Samiti’s demands within government channels. “BMC made a mistake once by giving a hospital to private players. I assure you it won’t happen again,” he asserted.
As the debate over the future of SevenHills hospital unfolds, advocates for public ownership remain resolute in their mission to ensure affordable healthcare is accessible to all residents of Mumbai. The Andheri Vikas Samiti continues to actively seek dialogue and action from both political leaders and the government to safeguard crucial health services for the city’s underprivileged populations. The situation remains fluid, inviting ongoing scrutiny and participation from the community as they rally for a more equitable healthcare system.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/andheri-residents-oppose-takeover-of-seven-hills-hospital-by-industrialist-mukesh-ambani/article70249497.ece
Category : Mumbai
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-11-07 03:23:00
