AMC Faces Backlash Over Hospital Renovation and Transport Service Allocations
The ongoing budget discussions in Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) have attracted sharp criticism from opposition leaders, who have raised concerns over what they perceive as an improper allocation of funds, particularly in regard to the renovation of the city’s century-old VS Hospital. Despite a substantial Rs 1,736 crore budget allocation over the last decade, critics argue that services at the hospital have shown little improvement. Furthermore, the opposition has expressed dissatisfaction with the large budget assigned to the Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service (AMTS), calling it a disproportionate allocation that mainly benefits private contractors rather than the public.
Opposition leader Shehzad Khan Pathan has pointed out the stark contrast between the massive sums allocated and the hospital’s continued shortcomings. “Despite the Rs 1,736 crore being pumped into the renovation, the hospital’s services remain subpar,” Pathan said, addressing a gathering. He further noted that key services, including super-specialty treatments, had been discontinued, while the bed capacity had been reduced from 1,200 to just 500. The hospital, once a pillar of the city’s healthcare infrastructure, now stands on a fragile foundation, according to Pathan.
Budget allocations have been steadily increasing over the years, yet the improvements appear minimal. The VS Hospital’s budget, which was Rs 173 crore in 2022-23, saw an increase to Rs 184 crore in 2023-24. In the latest fiscal year, the allocation stands at Rs 261.95 crore. With the total amount reaching Rs 618.95 crore over the past few years, opposition leaders argue that such increases should have reflected in better facilities and more comprehensive renovations, which have not materialised.
In addition to the criticism of VS Hospital, the opposition has taken aim at the budget allocation for AMTS, which stands at an overwhelming Rs 705 crore. Critics contend that this substantial amount is largely being channelled into the pockets of private contractors who have a firm hold over the service. According to Pathan, AMTS is now saddled with a mounting debt of Rs 4,710 crore, while private contractors control the bulk of operations, with 1,047 of the 1,172 buses under their purview. This leaves only a meagre 118 buses under direct management by AMTS. The opposition claims this shift in control undermines the public interest and questions whether such a large allocation is being appropriately utilised.
Sustainability and Public Welfare at the Crossroads
From a sustainability angle, these criticisms point to deeper concerns about the long-term viability of public health and transport services in the city. While budget allocations are rising, the tangible benefits to the public seem negligible, with private contractors continuing to benefit from municipal funds. In the case of the AMTS, the reliance on private operators means that public money may be supporting business interests rather than contributing to the improvement of services for the people.
For a city that prides itself on its growing infrastructure, the question arises whether the AMC is failing to balance its priorities. Shouldn’t the primary focus of these funds be on improving public services for citizens? As public spaces, healthcare services, and transport are increasingly privatised, the sustainability of such practices must be questioned. The city’s long-term environmental and economic goals could suffer if public welfare takes a backseat in favour of short-term contractor-driven profits.
