In a significant financial commitment towards victim care, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking has disbursed more than Rs 10 lakh to cover medical expenses for individuals injured in a tragic bus crash in Bhandup. The accident occurred on December 29, and the transport body is ensuring all injured receive proper treatment across various city hospitals.
Substantial Funds for Critical Care
Officials confirmed the substantial expenditure aimed at facilitating comprehensive medical treatment. Dr. Anil Kumar Singal, the chief medical officer of BEST, provided details on the condition of the injured and the costs incurred. He highlighted that among the most serious cases is Ravindra Ghadigaonkar, who suffered multiple fractures and internal bleeding.
Ghadigaonkar's treatment, initially at a hospital in Mulund, required shifting due to a lack of specialized facilities. His family raised concerns about this transfer. He is currently in the ICU of a private hospital in Mulund, where Rs 9.4 lakh has been spent so far on his ongoing, critical care.
Reimbursements for Other Injured Passengers
The support extends to other victims as well. Another patient, Dinesh Sawant, who was admitted to Minaj Hospital, had medical bills amounting to approximately Rs 1.25 lakh. BEST has fully reimbursed this amount. Similarly, Purva Rasam, another injured individual from the same hospital, incurred expenses of around Rs 80,000, which are also being covered.
Dr. Singal clarified the total financial outlay, stating, "We paid a total of Rs 12 lakh so far for the patients who are injured. This is in addition to Rs 2 lakh announced for the next of kin of those deceased in the crash." This separate ex-gratia payment for families of the deceased underscores the dual approach to compensation.
BEST's Assurance for Future Medical Expenses
In a reassuring move for all affected families, BEST has committed to bearing the complete cost of treatment for all other patients recovering in different hospitals. This policy aims to alleviate any financial burden on the victims during their recovery phase. The undertaking's proactive stance in managing the aftermath of the Bhandup bus crash highlights its responsibility towards passenger welfare beyond the immediate incident.
The continued medical and financial support for the injured remains a top priority for the administration as victims like Ravindra Ghadigaonkar fight for their recovery in intensive care.
