BMC Health Chief Finds Delays and Absent Doctors During KEM Hospital Surprise Visit
Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Health Committee Chairman Harish Bhandirge conducted a surprise midnight inspection at the civic-run KEM Hospital in Mumbai late on Thursday night, July 16, 2026. The unannounced visit uncovered serious lapses in patient care and hospital administration, placing the prominent municipal facility under intense scrutiny.
Following the late-night visit, Bhandirge issued an official statement detailing the failures observed during his inspection. The most critical issue highlighted in the statement was the prolonged delays in emergency treatment, which left patients waiting for urgent medical attention during the crucial hours of the night.
The inspection also exposed significant staff absenteeism at KEM Hospital. Bhandirge reported that doctors were absent from their designated duty points, leaving key medical areas unattended during the night shift when emergency care is highly critical.
In addition to the treatment delays and absent doctors, the inspection revealed poor communication between the hospital staff and the relatives of patients. Families of those seeking care at the municipal hospital reported a lack of clear information and updates regarding the treatment and condition of their loved ones.
As a result of these findings, KEM Hospital has come under severe scrutiny from civic authorities. Bhandirge has formally called for a high-level inquiry to investigate the operational and administrative lapses at the civic-run hospital.
The BMC Health Committee Chairman has also demanded immediate action against the responsible staff members and administration. The call for a high-level inquiry aims to address the systemic issues in patient care, ensure accountability, and prevent such lapses from recurring at the Mumbai facility.
The surprise midnight inspection has sparked concerns over the quality of healthcare provided at civic-run hospitals in Mumbai. With KEM Hospital now under scrutiny, the demand for immediate action highlights the urgent need for administrative reforms to ensure that emergency services and patient care are maintained at all hours.
