Mumbai hospital workers fear job losses from PPP model

Workers at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) are worried about a new plan to partner with private companies in managing civic hospitals. The Municipal Mazdoor Union (MMU) protested outside Kasturba Hospital, expressing concerns that this public-private partnership (PPP) model could lead to job losses and lower quality patient care. The BMC has started issuing tenders for private management at several hospitals. Recently, a 30-year contract was announced for Bhagwati Hospital in Borivali, while another will affect K B Bhabha Hospital in Bandra. A third tender is also planned for M T Agarwal Municipal Hospital. The MMU has sent a letter to the municipal commissioner, Bhushan Gagrani, opposing these changes, stating they threaten staff jobs and affordable patient care. Ashok Jadhav, the MMU's chairperson, voiced doubts about the BMC's promises to keep current employees at other hospitals. He argued that with many staff members, there may not be enough positions available. Jadhav criticized the use of the PPP model especially for hospitals that have recently undergone renovations, questioning the need for such investments if they will be managed by private firms. Doctors from Bhabha Hospital noted that specialized departments will be privatized under the new model, limiting their ability to manage the facility effectively. Concerns also surfaced about the past failures of the PPP model at Seven Hills Hospital, which is now involved in a Supreme Court case. Despite these worries, a BMC official stressed that they have learned from previous experiences and will implement a different approach this time. In the recent BMC budget, Gagrani stated that the PPP model aims to lower operational costs and patient expenses while maintaining sustainable healthcare operations. Local political leaders have also voiced their opposition to the plan.