In 2011, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had instructed civic hospitals to ensure that relatives of patients would be allowed into the wards only during visiting hours from 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm. A pass system was also implemented. However, these instructions were not seriously followed. A new drive was to be initiated from today for the same. However, according to Additional Municipal Commissioner Manisha Mhaiskar, the drive will now begin from May 5, in which a single relative will be allowed to stay with the patient. Others will only be allowed in during visiting hours.

BMC hospitals are usually overcrowded with patients and their relatives from across the city. Tertiary hospitals face over 1,500 patients a day in their OPDs, apart from other admissions. The throng of relatives create commotion within the wards and also add to the risk of patients contracting infections. Several relatives of out-station patients camp right outside the wards, with their luggage. They eat their meals and subsequently litter within the hospital premises. Sources also confirmed that several cases of theft have also been reported lately. As a result, the impending drive to restrict visitors in the wards is being welcomed by the hospital staff.