BMC Approves SevenHills Hospital Lease Amid Political Pushback
The BMC's decision to lease SevenHills Hospital to Capri Global faces political opposition over public-private partnership concerns.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Improvement Committee has sanctioned the lease of SevenHills Hospital to Capri Global Ventures Pvt Ltd, despite vocal opposition from Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress members. This decision was made during a contentious meeting on Tuesday, where the ruling Shiv Sena-BJP panel approved the proposal to lease the hospital's Marol campus.
Political Tensions and Allegations
The proposal, which had previously stalled in May, reignited debate over the necessity of involving a private operator. Congress leader Ashraf Azmi accused the BMC of prematurely commencing work at the hospital before securing statutory approval. He questioned how activities could proceed without the Improvement Committee's consent. In response, Congress corporator Raja Rahebar Khan demanded a site inspection to verify these claims.
Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator Sachin Padwal argued that the BMC should manage the hospital directly, given its financial capacity to operate such facilities. He emphasized that SevenHills, being centrally located, should serve the public under direct civic administration, rather than through a private entity.
Lease Details and Opposition Concerns
The lease agreement grants Capri Global a 30-year term, with an option to extend for another 30 years. The land, measuring approximately 66,688 square meters, remains under BMC ownership. Opposition members expressed concerns over the private partnership model, questioning why prime municipal land should be leased when the BMC has the resources to develop and manage healthcare facilities independently.
Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator Vishakha Raut highlighted the BMC's sufficient budgetary provisions for health services, suggesting that private involvement was unnecessary. She pointed out that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the BMC effectively managed the hospital, and suggested that if Reliance Foundation, which is backing Capri Global, wishes to invest, it should do so on private land.
Future of SevenHills Hospital
The approved plan aims to transform SevenHills into a 1,500-bed not-for-profit tertiary care facility. The new management has committed to the terms of the original 2005 contract and the 2013 memorandum of understanding. This includes reserving 20% of beds and outpatient department services for BMC patients, with treatments provided at civic rates.
Civic officials assert that the hospital's revival will enhance Mumbai's public healthcare system by reopening a long-closed facility while maintaining subsidized treatment options for BMC beneficiaries. Despite the contention, the BMC believes this public-private partnership will bolster the city's healthcare infrastructure.