The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken proactive measures to fortify Mumbai’s healthcare infrastructure ahead of the monsoon season, allocating 3,000 beds specifically for treating monsoon-related illnesses across its healthcare facilities. In addition to bolstering bed capacity, BMC has established dedicated ‘Fever OPD’ facilities aimed at managing fever-like symptoms anticipated during the seasonal onslaught.
Under the directive of BMC Commissioner and Administrator officials, a comprehensive strategy has been outlined to coordinate efforts among various governmental and semi-governmental agencies. A recent review meeting, attended by senior officers and representatives from diverse agencies including Central Public Works Department, Central Railway, and Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd., underscored the collaborative approach required to combat diseases such as dengue and malaria effectively.
The allocation of 3,000 beds spans key BMC-operated hospitals, strategically distributed to handle the anticipated patient load. This includes facilities like King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEM), Lokmanya Tilak General Hospital, B.Y.L. Nair Hospital, and Hinduhriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Dr. R.N. Cooper Hospital, along with suburban general hospitals, ensuring comprehensive coverage across Mumbai. Moreover, BMC has augmented its diagnostic capabilities by expanding laboratory facilities from 20 to 800, encompassing both private and government-run establishments. This enhancement aims to facilitate timely patient updates, surveys, identification, isolation, and treatment protocols.
In a bid to optimize healthcare delivery, BMC has deployed teams of specialist doctors in community medicine across its major hospitals.
These teams are tasked with implementing rigorous preventive measures and refining treatment methodologies based on scientific insights and past experiences. The BMC’s public health department has adopted a targeted approach towards areas identified as hotspots for dengue and malaria, intensifying preventive interventions and conducting frequent surveys to curb escalating patient numbers. This strategic deployment underscores BMC’s commitment to preemptively address healthcare challenges posed by the upcoming monsoon season, safeguarding public health through proactive measures and collaborative governance.
