Mayor Orders 24-Hour Counter, Better Food at Jogeshwari Trauma Hospital
Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde conducted a surprise inspection of the Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Trauma Care Municipal Hospital in Jogeshwari East, directing hospital authorities to immediately improve cleanliness and the quality of food served to patients.
During her visit, Tawde ordered that the registration counter for the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana remain open 24 hours a day, expanding its previous operational schedule of 8 am to 4 pm. She also instructed counter staff not to demand additional paperwork or documents from patients who already possess Ayushman cards.
The Mayor inspected multiple areas of the Jogeshwari East facility, including the accident department, intensive care unit, and the paediatric, female medical, and male medical wards. She interacted directly with patients to assess the standard of medical treatment, the availability of prescribed medicines, general hygiene, and the quality of meals provided. She personally checked the food being served to verify that standards were being met.
The inspection followed concerns over food arrangements after an unauthorised canteen operating on the hospital premises was abruptly closed down, creating difficulties for patients and their attendants.
In addition to general patient wards, Tawde reviewed the hospital's neurosurgery department and the DSA Cath Lab, examining the available medical equipment and facilities. She stated that she would pursue the appointment of full-time doctors and medical staff for the neurosurgery department with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation administration.
During the visit, contractual workers at the hospital submitted a memorandum outlining their grievances and demands. Tawde assured the workers that a joint meeting would be convened with the civic administration to address the issues raised by contractual employees and medical staff.
