Borivli’s Bhagwati Hospital, caught in a prolonged deadlock over its proposed public-private partnership (PPP) model, may be headed towards a new operating arrangement. However, bureaucratic delays continue to keep newly constructed facility shut. After sustained resistance to PPP model, BMC has decided to explore handing over the hospital’s operations to a charitable trust. “Tenders are floated for the appointment of the trust, and further process will also be conducted at the earliest,” said CMO Dr Nitiraj Mane. The tender process and subsequent administrative formalities are yet to be completed, and no reopening date has been announced.

Residents question delay

Residents have also questioned why the BMC proceeded with construction before finalising the hospital’s operating model, warning that an unused building could require additional maintenance and repairs before it opens.