With the increasing number of coronavirus cases in the city, it seems as though hospitals in Mumbai are facing difficulty with treating non-coronavirus related patients. Earlier there were reports about cancer patients waiting for hours outside the hospital, to some patients not getting attention from doctors due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
In a recently released update, it is said that more than 50 non-coronavirus patients from KEM hospital were shifted below Hindmata bridge and were being treated there, in the open space. Reports state that the decision was taken by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) with an aim to solve overcrowding inside the hospital, owing to the number of COVID-19 patients. The group comprises of 35 women and the remaining men, and it is said that this group has a lady who is pregnant, some of them are battling serious conditions.
These patients are residents of different cities, who had visited the hospital but are stuck due to the lockdown. Officials are providing them with the basic facilities and meals are being given twice a day. However, this makeshift arrangement has raised questions on the healthcare system and the basic necessities Mumbai lacks as a city.
Users on Twitter shared their messages by calling this a 'shameful' act. TV9 Maharashtra covered the news by visiting the location and the reporter spoke to the people to understand their thoughts and problems.
BJP leader Kirit Somaiya also visited the location and understood the concerns. He took to Twitter to share the message, "Today Morning I visited Hindmata Dadar Bridge., It's shocking 55 Serious Patients &....of KEM & Tata Hospital from 8 April, kept below the bridge in open in horrible condition by BMC, Thackeray Sarkar. I request @rajeshtope11 & BMC for immediate shifting of them @BJP4Maharashtra."
Many Mumbaikars earlier requested State Health Minister Rajesh Tope to move these patients. It is said that the government is looking at moving them to proper shelters and health centres.
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