Mumbai Minister's KEM Hospital Renaming Suggestion Ignites Controversy During Centenary Celebrations
Mumbai Guardian Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha stirred significant debate during the centenary celebrations of King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital on Thursday by proposing the removal of the "King Edward" portion from the hospital's name. The suggestion, made at a high-profile event attended by medical professionals and political figures, immediately drew strong reactions from the hospital community.
Medical Community's Strong Opposition to Name Change
A senior doctor from the prestigious institution expressed firm opposition to the proposal, stating, "KEM as a name has recognition across the world. Our alumni everywhere are associated with it; it cannot be changed like this at this point. We are hoping this does not happen." Another medical professional emphasized the importance of institutional identity, noting, "Our hospital's name is its identity."
The centenary event at Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas (GS) Medical College and King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital saw attendance from newly elected Shiv Sena (UBT) corporators, dean Dr. Sangeeta Ravat, and deputy municipal commissioner (health) Sharad Ughade. Following Minister Lodha's departure, the gathering was joined by Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs Arvind Sawant and Anil Desai, who added their voices to the growing criticism.
Political Criticism and Alternative Priorities Suggested
In an interaction with media representatives, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant questioned the timing and relevance of the renaming proposal. "Changing names does not change how the institution functions," Sawant remarked. "He could have spoken about the shortage of medicines, the need for machines and equipment, or the overall development of the hospital. Their business is only this and that of religion; it is bound to take the country down."
During the same event, Minister Lodha also called for locating and honoring the descendants of Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas, after whom the medical college is named. The minister further proposed implementing an AI-driven communication model at the hospital to provide information about various government health schemes to patients and visitors.
Hospital Development Plans and Previous Controversies
Dr. Sangeeta Ravat, the dean of the institution, shared details about the hospital's future development plans during the celebrations. "This year the hospital is looking forward to a new multi-storey building for patients," she announced. The proposal for this infrastructure project was initially floated in January of the previous year and required several months to secure necessary approvals. "Some of the details are still being decided; they will be finalized shortly," Dr. Ravat added.
This recent visit by Minister Lodha marks another chapter in his contentious relationship with the hospital administration. In November of the previous year, his visit reportedly involved hours of berating the administration and senior doctors, creating tension within the institution.
The centenary celebration of one of Mumbai's most prominent healthcare institutions has thus become a platform for broader discussions about institutional identity, political priorities in healthcare, and the balance between symbolic changes and practical improvements in medical facilities.
