Mumbai: A proposal for the takeover of about 2,000 square metres of land, which houses a government hospital offering OPD services in Aarey Milk Colony, for the operation of a hospital on the land that will cater to the tribal population was referred back by the BMC improvements committee on Wednesday.Corporators pointed out that the civic body should seek funds from the state government for the construction of the hospital and that the land would have to be returned to the state government after a period of 30 years. However, some members said that the BMC should build the hospital, as it would provide relief to the tribal population, which currently has to travel far to seek medical aid.The Aarey Hospital, run by the health department of the state government, is functioning in the area and outpatient department (OPD) services are provided there. Local corporator Jitendra Valvi, who sought the takeover of the hospital by the BMC, said, “Currently, the services provided at the hospital are not up to the mark. Sometimes, there are no doctors; at other times, required medicines, including injections, are not available. Local MLA Anant Nar had pursued the matter with the state government for the handover of the hospital to the BMC. If the hospital is properly equipped and run, then it would be of great relief to the tribal population.”A decision was taken by the state government to transfer a total area of 1,258 square metres of the hospital and 674 square metres of land housing state government quarters to the BMC. Shiv Sena (UBT) member Visakha Raut pointed to the plight of tribals and said that incidents of snake bites and animal attacks take place in Aarey colony and that time is a crucial factor in the treatment of snake bites.BJP member Prakash Gangadhare asked why the state government could not build a modern hospital and hand it over to the BMC, instead of the civic body spending money on it. He also pointed out that the transfer of land was only for a period of 30 years.Congress member Meher Haider said that the civic body should seek funds from the state government for the hospital. Ashraf Azmi said that the BMC should take over the hospital after it is refurbished.
