The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is planning to take over the Aarey Hospital in Goregaon from the Maharashtra state government for a period of 30 years to improve healthcare services in the Aarey tribal and forest-dominated area.
The proposal was discussed in the BMC’s Improvement Committee meeting. As per the plan, the state government will transfer the existing hospital building and staff quarters to the civic body free of cost. However, ownership of the property will remain with the state government, and it will be returned after 30 years.
Under the agreement, the BMC will be responsible for all operational expenses, including hospital management, maintenance and repairs, electricity and water charges, taxes, permissions, and other legal responsibilities.
Currently, Aarey Hospital provides only outpatient (OPD) services. The BMC plans to expand and upgrade the facility to provide more comprehensive and quality healthcare services once it takes over management.
The hospital covers an area of 1,257.90 square metres, while staff quarters span 674.30 square metres, making a total area of 1,932.20 square metres.
The hospital will continue to provide affordable treatment for poor and needy citizens, as well as medical services for employees of the dairy development department and workers of the Aarey Milk Colony.
Since the hospital is located in the Eco-Sensitive Zone of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, any future redevelopment or major construction will require approval from environmental authorities.
After discussion, the Improvement Committee has sent the proposal back to the administration for necessary changes. Once final approval is granted, the BMC will move forward with upgrading healthcare services in the Aarey region.
If implemented, the move is expected to significantly improve healthcare access for tribal communities and local residents in the area.