CBD BELAPUR: Administrative lethargy has led to a delay in the starting of NMMC hospitals at Airoli, Nerul and Belapur. While the delays have led to several problems being faced by the residents, the project cost too has doubled over the years.
Six years ago when the hospitals were planned, the contracts had been awarded for around Rs83.46 crore. However with the work not completed in time, the cost has escalated to around Rs170.65 crore.
NMMC started work on three new hospitals at Airoli, Nerul and CBD Belapur in 2009 to provide better health services to the residents of the city. The civic body had then stated that the hospitals will be ready in around two years.
Just before the Assembly elections, the outpatient department (OPD) at these hospitals was started, with the opposition alleging it to be a political stunt for electoral gains. They have also demanded an inquiry into the delay.
In Airoli, the previous mother and child hospital that was demolished to make way for the new hospital had been shifted to Mahajan hospital. However, patients complain that they do not get proper services there. The NMMC is also paying huge rent for the use of the premises.
The Belapur and Nerul residents have to depend on D Y Patil Hospital at Nerul.
According t o Shiv Sena corporator and former City and Industrial Development Corporation (Cidco) director Namdeo Bhagat, “The hospitals were supposed to be ready in two years but that hasn’t happened. The civic administration has given information that the cost of the hospitals has doubled.”
“On one hand, the needy patients are not getting the requisite health services and on the other, the civic treasury is being burdened with additional expense. A lot of doubts are being raised about the escalation in cost. I will demand a detailed inquiry on the issue,” he added.
Mayor Sudhakar Sonawane said, “The hospital work has been delayed for various reasons. However, we are now confident of inaugurating it in a couple of months. Such big projects do take time as we have to ensure that there are no shortcomings.”
Opposition leader Vijay Chougule said no action has ever been taken against any contractor for delayed work and that they should be blacklisted instead of doubling the cost.
“The hospitals are not going to start anytime soon as there is still a lot of work and recruitment to be done. I will tender my resignation if the hospitals are indeed started in the next couple of months,” he added.
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