BMC’s Aapli Chikitsa Diagnostics Halted, Temporary SOP Issued
Mumbai’s much-needed Aapli Chikitsa diagnostic services, which offer free pathology testing at BMC dispensaries and maternity homes, have been disrupted due to delays in the tendering process. The BMC Health Department has introduced a temporary standard operating procedure (SOP) to minimise the inconvenience to citizens. Issued on December 20, the SOP outlines a provisional diagnostic model wherein only a limited number of blood samples will be collected at BMC centres and sent to the nearest suburban BMC hospitals for testing.
Under this temporary arrangement, only a select few tests are being conducted, which has caused significant concern among residents relying on the service. Experts, former corporators, and citizens have criticised the BMC’s slow administrative response, pointing out that had the tender process been handled in a timely manner, this disruption could have been avoided. The BMC had previously awarded the diagnostic contract to Krsnaa Diagnostics in 2023, after the private laboratory quoted the lowest price of Rs 86 per basic pathology test. This contract was part of the Aapli Chikitsa scheme, which outsourced laboratory testing for 190 dispensaries, 107 Health and Beauty Therapy (HBT) clinics, all BMC-run maternity homes, and special hospitals, providing affordable and accessible healthcare for Mumbai’s underserved populations.
However, due to procedural delays in finalising new contracts, the diagnostic services have been temporarily suspended. The absence of a robust plan to bridge the gap has led to public discontent, especially as the demand for affordable healthcare services in the city continues to rise. As the tender process continues to face setbacks, BMC authorities are working to implement solutions that would restore full diagnostic services at the earliest. Citizens are advised to check with their local BMC centres for updates on available testing services under the temporary SOP.
