Mumbai: 

Rustom Jeejeebhoy, the sixth descendant of Sir Jamsetji Jeejeebhoy garlands the statue of his ancestor at Sir JJ Hospital. PIC/ALISHA COELHO

Rustom Jeejeebhoy, the sixth descendant of philanthropist Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy, was not very pleased with the state government and the hospital management when he visited Sir JJ Hospital, yesterday, to mark his ancestor's 225th birth anniversary.

While addressing students, faculty and guests present for the inauguration of the newly developed sanctum for Sir JJ's 163-year-old statue, Jeejeebhoy bemoaned the hospital's present state. "I have heard that things here are not functioning in the way they should. I am thankful Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy is not alive today because if he were, his blood pressure would have risen looking at the condition of this hospital," said Jeejeebhoy. He added, "I was also told that a minister was supposed to attend this event, but I see he's not here. This reflects the apathy of the government towards this hospital."

Jeejeebhoy later took a tour of the college building, which is the oldest structure on the campus, dating back to 1845. However, he was disappointed once again. "The Parsi ward run by a handful of people looks better and serves people more efficiently when compared to other wards I have seen," said Jeejeebhoy. Blaming the hospital authorities and the government, he added, "This is honestly a pitiable state of affairs more so because this hospital has rendered much service to everyone."

"If the government really wants to do something for the city, it should start here. Mumbai needs this hospital."