Despite completed reconstruction, the hospitals remain closed, forcing locals to seek treatment elsewhere; MLA Aslam Sheikh urges BMC to inaugurate both facilities without delay
MUMBAI — Malvani, a densely populated Muslim-majority area in Malad West, continues to face severe healthcare challenges as residents are forced to travel to other hospitals due to the delayed opening of newly reconstructed medical facilities. The Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Hospital, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Maternity Hospital, and a branch of KEM Hospital at Gate No. 7 have been completed for several years, yet remain non-operational.
Local MLA Aslam Sheikh recently inspected these hospitals alongside BMC officials and spoke about the undue delay in starting operations. He stressed that the residents’ access to basic healthcare facilities is being unfairly denied.
Abdullah Khan, a resident of Gate No. 7, highlighted the problem: “A branch of KEM Hospital has been constructed in front of the Municipal School by demolishing the old Municipal Hospital, but for some unknown reason it is not being started. Although the hospital has been painted and statues of hospital staff have been installed on the divider, it remains unused despite urgent need.”
Abdul Rehman Ansari, living near Noor Jamia Masjid, added: “There is a very old maternity hospital named after Maulana Abul Kalam Azad near Hathi Garden. It has been renovated, but it has not been started yet. Because of this, people are forced to turn to other hospitals. If treatment facilities were available here, the problem of thousands of residents would be solved.”
Another local, Dinesh Kanojia, expressed frustration over the unused buildings: “Both hospital buildings are standing, but it is not known when they will be started. If there was no plan to open them, why was crores of public money wasted on construction? These hospitals should be operational as soon as possible.”
Abdul Ghaffar Khan, a resident of Anjuman Jamia Masjid, Gate No. 7, also appealed for immediate action: “The constructed branch of KEM Hospital is gathering dust. People are waiting for treatment facilities, but it seems the Muhurat for its inauguration has not come yet. It should be started without delay to address the healthcare needs of local residents.”
MLA Aslam Sheikh confirmed that the lack of maternity and general healthcare is a serious problem in Malvani. Speaking to BMC officers, he said, “It is not right to deprive the people of basic facilities. It is the right of the people and the responsibility of the government to provide better treatment services. I hope that now, without further delay, both hospitals will be started soon and thousands of families will benefit immediately. If there is still some work left, it will also be completed without delay. There will be no need for further reminders.”
The residents of Malvani, home to millions, continue to await the opening of these crucial medical facilities, emphasising that timely action is essential to meet the basic healthcare needs of this underserved community.
