The Sewri TB hospital may be one of Mumbai’s biggest dedicated facilities in the city’s fight against tuberculosis, but it is struggling with a crippling manpower crunch. More than half of the doctors’ posts are vacant, while a third of all positions are waiting to be filled. Current and former officials said fear and stigma are major factors behind the hospital’s skeletal strength.
 
Data accessed by mid-day from the BMC shows that of the 1,207 total posts, including that of doctors, nurses, paramedical and administration employees, 399 are vacant. 

TB is a potentially serious infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs. At present, 404 patients are being treated at the Sewri hospital. Sources said TB screening and treatment took a hit for two years during the COVID pandemic. Of the 73 posts for doctors, 40 are vacant.