The 'Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thakrey Aapla Dawakhana', which was started to provide health facilities to Mumbaikars for free and close to their homes, is getting a good response from the citizens. Because of which, 250 'Aapla Dawakhanas' were started in different areas in two years. Now the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to start 25 more 'Aapla Dawakhana' and three physiotherapy centers in 2025. Therefore, it is believed that the number of HBT clinics will reach 275 in coming years and more and more citizens will benefit from it.
The first HBT clinic was started in Mumbai on November 17, 2022, on the death anniversary of founder of Shiv Sena, Balasaheb Thackeray, as a concept of former Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to provide easy healthcare services to Mumbaikars. After that, it gradually increased.
In the last two years, the BMC has started 250 HBT clinics comprising 33 polyclinics and diagnostic centers. Free medical examination, medication, and blood tests are provided to citizens in this hospital. Since the launch of HBT till December 2024, around 90 lakh patients have benefited from these various services.
Also Read: State to set up 'Cancer Day Care Center' in every district
The polyclinic and diagnostic center are providing the services of various specialists like otolaryngologist, dentist, gynaecologist, paediatrician, medical doctor, dermatologist, ophthalmologist.
The services of X-ray, Mammography, ECG, City Scan, MRI are being provided at subsidised rate through the private diagnostic center in HBT clinics and other civic-run hospitals of BMC at subsidised rate. Along with this, health services are being provided through mobile clinics in remote areas of Aarey Colony and Govandi, Mankhurd Division.