MUMBAI: Despite allegations of “privatising” major public assets and abandoning its obligation to provide affordable healthcare, the civic administration has continued to roll out its controversial public-private participation (PPP) model in healthcare.
On Thursday, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) invited tenders for the operation and management of six public health facilities across Mumbai under the PPP model, where contracts will be given for 30 years – an initial 15 years with the option to extend them by another 15 years. In a formal objection to the e-tender notice issued on October 8, 2026, Azmi sought the immediate withdrawal of tenders for the maternity home and dispensary on 16th Road in Khar (west) and the Parksite hospital in Vikhroli. The six facilities include a 15-25-bed multi-specialty hospital at Om Kalyani Cooperative Housing Society in Dahisar (west); a 45-55-bed hospital in the MHADA Colony at Chandivali; a 70-80-bed hospital in Mogra in Andheri (east), a 15-20-bed hospital proposed at the Khar (west) maternity home and dispensary; a 25-35-bed hospital in Mandala in Mankhurd; and a 45-55-bed hospital at Parksite in Vikhroli west. Citing Section 61 (gg) of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1888, which lists the establishment and maintenance of public hospitals and dispensaries, along with other measures necessary for public medical relief, as an obligatory civic duty, Azmi argued that the BMC cannot dilute its responsibility through long-term private management arrangements. He also invoked Section 61(g), which requires the BMC to take measures to prevent and check the spread of dangerous diseases, contending that transferring public health facilities to private operators could weaken this mandate. Azmi has demanded a guarantee of free maternity services and reservation of at least 30% of beds for BPL patients under any proposed arrangement.
He has also demanded that the entire tendering process be suspended until the policy is discussed and approved by the elected body. A key concern is the proposed conversion of a maternity home in Khar (west) into a multi-specialty hospital, as the original facility was set up to cater to women from economically weaker sections. The objections also include the absence of clear provisions specifying the number of beds to be reserved for beneficiaries below the poverty line (BPL) and those covered under state and central healthcare schemes.
