Maharashtra Government Takes Action Against Mumbai Hospital Over Bed Reservation Violations
In a significant development, the Maharashtra government has announced stringent measures against Global Hospital in Mumbai, which was renamed GlenEagles Hospital in 2023 following its acquisition by Singapore-based IHH Healthcare. The action comes in response to the hospital's failure to allocate 15% of its beds for economically disadvantaged patients, a condition tied to the additional Floor Space Index (FSI) granted by the state for its expansion.
Minister's Statement in State Assembly
Madhuri Misal, Minister of State for Urban Development, informed the state assembly that the government will reclaim the extra FSI provided to the hospital. Additionally, the state will prohibit the construction of a proposed new wing and withhold occupation certificates for two newly constructed floors. "The hospital has not been providing the reserved beds. This is a serious matter," Misal emphasized, highlighting the gravity of the issue.
Background of the Controversy
The matter was brought to light by SS (UBT) MLA Ajay Choudhari, who alleged that Global Hospital had been neglecting its obligation to reserve 15% of beds for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for over 15 years. "They have not provided the beds for the last 15 years and used them for private patients. This is corruption amounting to Rs 150 crore," Choudhari claimed, accusing the hospital of misusing beds intended for poor patients.
Misal clarified that the state had granted the 245-bed hospital an additional 9,357 square metres of FSI on the explicit condition that 15% of beds would be reserved for BMC to treat indigent patients at BMC hospital rates. However, the hospital has failed to comply, instead offering beds at higher central government rates. "Providing the BMC beds was a precondition to granting the FSI," Misal reiterated, noting that the hospital avoided penalties by seeking legal recourse.
Government Actions and Legal Proceedings
The state has already denied renovation permissions to the hospital, though it obtained them through court intervention. A hearing on this issue is scheduled for March 25. Furthermore, Misal revealed that the hospital has not utilized 4,723 square metres of the granted FSI, adding to the complexities of the case.
BJP MLA Yogesh Sagar raised concerns about BMC officials' role, questioning why the hospital's license was renewed annually despite the violations. In response, Misal announced that an additional chief secretary will lead an inquiry to determine if any BMC officials are accountable for inaction.
Hospital's History and Ownership
Global Hospitals was established in 1999 by Hyderabad-based gastroenterologist Dr. K Ravindranath, with its Parel branch opening in 2012. In 2015, IHH Healthcare acquired a 73.4% controlling stake, and by 2023, it gained full ownership of the chain, rebranding it as GlenEagles Hospital. This controversy underscores ongoing challenges in enforcing healthcare regulations for public welfare.
