BMC plans to open private OPD clinics at Civic Hospitals

The BMC plans to open private outpatient departments at its super-specialty hospitals, such as the King Edward Memorial, Lokmanya Tilak, and BYL Nair, for patients willing to pay a consultation fee to be examined by specialised doctors. Otherwise, the BMC hospitals provide free treatment in their outpatient departments. On a trial basis, the strategy will be implemented in the KEM Hospital, and if successful, it will be adopted at other civic-run hospitals. Patients would be able to consult doctors in civic hospitals in the evenings under this dispensation, avoiding the long lines and massive crowds at regular OPDs.

Suresh Kakani, Additional Municipal Commissioner, said another system is a resounding hit at Parel's Tata Memorial Hospital, which treats cancer patients across both private and general settings. "Not only will this assist us in improving our healthcare facilities, but it will also transform the mindset of patients who visit civic-run hospitals." For the private sector, we shall set aside 10% of the beds. The fees of doctors will be subsidised, attracting many middle-class families. "Once it's proven to work, we'll be able to replicate it in all of our hospitals," he said.

According to a top healthcare official from a civic-run hospital, the BMC hospitals have the best doctors in the city, and many people are willing to pay to consult them in private OPDs. Because such patients will avoid general OPDs due to long lines, private OPDs will be a boon to them. "The majority of these doctors are available at the hospitals even when they are not on duty. We can make effective use of their services if we start the private OPD in the evening. It will also allow them to make some money as the hospital generates revenue," a doctor explained.

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