BMC asks Parel hospitals to adopt footpaths

The representatives from KEM, Tata, Wadia and Gandhi hospitals, local NGOs, traffic police with civic officials attended the meeting chaired by Vishwas Mote, assistant municipal commissioner of F (South) ward.

“There have been many complaints about the illegal hawkers on the footpaths outside the hospital in Parel. Also, some of the NGOs and people distribute food either on the footpath or on the street, which has led to hygiene issues. It can lead to infection or other diseases since many patients and their relatives stay on the footpaths outside hospitals,” said a civic official, adding that the parking issue was also discussed in the meeting.

“We have proposed that the hospital authorities should adopt the footpaths outside their premises to resolve various issues. They are positive about it. If they adopt it, it will put an end to the menace of illegal hawkers. Also, it will automatically ensure cleanliness and hygiene. While the ownership will remain with us, the hospital authorities will be able to put up moveable flowerbeds with strip gardening to restrict the entry of hawkers. It will help in beautifying the area,” said Mote.

He added that a master list is being prepared comprising a member from all the stakeholders to assist the patients and their relatives in finding the required facilities.

“It will help in coordinating with all the stakeholders like NGOs, trusts who provide shelters, food with others. It is beyond the call duty and needs to be done for the larger public interest,” he added.

Apart from these short term measures, the civic body has also proposed long term measures to deal with the increasing number of patients in the area. “Parel is a hub of hospitals. So, we have proposed the dormitory housing in 1 km radius of hospitals in the draft development plan. Under dormitory housing, shelters can be constructed for patients and their relatives which will resolve the issue of patients staying on footpaths outside hospitals,” said Mote.