Mumbai Civic Hospital Crisis: Radiology Halted, Blood Bank Shut, Security Breached At V N Desai Hospital, Santacruz

Mumbai: Rabina Khatun, a resident of Vakola, has alleged that her mobile phone was stolen while she was asleep outside the maternity ward of V. N. Desai Hospital in Santacruz (East), where she was attending to a relative. She discovered the theft in the morning and requested access to CCTV footage, but hospital staff asked her to first lodge a police complaint.

Patients Allege Frequent Thefts at Night

According to a local social activist, mobile theft incidents at the hospital were once rampant. Although the frequency has reduced, at least one or two such cases are still reported every fortnight, the activist claimed.

Intruders Seen Sleeping Inside Maternity Wing

Security in and around maternity wards is crucial, yet V. N. Desai Hospital appears to have overlooked this. Several patients have alleged that unidentified individuals have been found sleeping inside the hospital at night despite having no admitted relatives—raising serious safety concerns. The hospital houses 70 beds in its Gynaecology and Obstetrics department, including maternity care.

V. N. Desai Hospital, a vital civic-run facility serving thousands of low-income residents in Mumbai’s western suburbs, is currently facing a multi-pronged crisis that is severely affecting patient care. From suspended radiology services and a non-functional blood bank to frequent operation theatre shutdowns and absentee doctors, the condition of this BMC hospital raises urgent questions about the city’s healthcare governance.

According to BMC official website, the hospital currently has a total bed capacity of around 254 beds. In addition, the hospital sees around 2500 to 3000 patients at the out-patient department (OPD).

The hospital caters to densely populated, economically weaker areas like Vakola, Kalina, Kurla, Khar East, and Bandra East. For many patients, it's the first—and sometimes only—option due to unaffordable private healthcare. However, the reality on the ground reflects mismanagement, neglect, and administrative inaction.

Amid ongoing renovation work, several departments and wards have been either relocated or temporarily closed, causing further distress to patients. Local activist Dilip Saha alleged that patients were moved from the second floor to the third, which had only recently been refurbished.

Maternity Floor Flooded Days After Renovation

Yet, during the downpour on July 25, water leakage was reported on that very floor. Hospital staff confirmed the third floor lacks basic safety infrastructure. Scrapped furniture and discarded items were also seen dumped near the lift, creating additional hazards.

Rabies Vaccine Unavailable in Hospital Pharmacy

During a visit by this reporter, it was found that the rabies vaccine was unavailable. Staff at the in-house pharmacy confirmed that while the supply is usually consistent, stocks had recently run out and a fresh consignment was awaited. Until then, patients were advised to purchase the vaccine from outside, as delays in treatment following dog bites could be dangerous.

Radiology Services Suspended Due to No Staff

The hospital's sonography services have been disrupted for nearly a month due to the absence of a radiologist. Authorities confirmed that recruitment is underway, but until then, patients are being referred to Bhabha Hospital in Bandra.

This interim solution is proving burdensome—especially for pregnant women in advanced stages—many of whom struggle to travel long distances. As a result, some are turning to a private diagnostic centre located just opposite the hospital.

Several patients allege that this private facility is charging exorbitant rates. “I cannot go to Bhabha Hospital for Sonography. There’s only one diagnostic centre nearby, and I was charged Rs 3,000 for a sonography,” said a relative of a patient in the Gynaecology Department.

A doctor from another BMC hospital noted that under certain conditions, registered gynecologists are allowed to perform obstetric ultrasounds. However, the administration at V. N. Desai continues to refer patients elsewhere, allegedly using the PCPNDT Act as a pretext to delay radiologist appointments—crippling maternity care in the process.

Blood Bank Remains Non-Functional, No Visible Repair Work

In another serious lapse, the hospital’s blood bank has been non-functional for days. Civic officials claim it is under renovation, but no visible work has begun. Meanwhile, there are no alternate arrangements for blood storage, leaving critical patients dependent on outside facilities. “Ironically, a technician marks daily attendance at the defunct blood bank despite having no work,” a health activist claimed.

Operation Theatres Frequently Shut, Casualty Understaffed

Another staff member alleged that during the night, the casualty department often functions without a doctor present. Doctors are reportedly called in only when patients arrive. Although complaints briefly led to more regular presence, the issue soon returned.

Departments such as ENT and Ophthalmology reportedly function only on alternate days and close by 1 pm. A staffer further alleged that a pediatrician on the hospital roster runs a private clinic nearby during duty hours.

The hospital’s X-ray machine frequently breaks down, forcing patients to return without films. The CT scan facility, which is outsourced, provides basic scans at civic rates—but contrast scans are priced steeply as the dye, earlier supplied by BMC, is now procured at market rates from a private vendor.

The Burn Ward on the ground floor remains defunct. Hospital staff claim it has never been operational since its construction.

Essential Drugs and Pharmacists Missing at Night

Despite adequate staffing levels, the hospital pharmacy operates without a pharmacist during night shifts. Essential anti-malarial drugs such as Primaquine, Artesunate, and Artemether are also reportedly out of stock, potentially jeopardizing timely treatment of vector-borne diseases.

The situation at V. N. Desai Hospital reflects not only bureaucratic apathy but a systemic failure to uphold even basic healthcare standards in one of Mumbai’s most densely populated areas.

Healthcare activists are calling for urgent BMC intervention, warning that these issues are no longer just inconveniences—but direct threats to patient safety and lives. Attempts to reach Dr. Jairaj Acharya, Medical Superintendent of V. N. Desai Hospital, Santacruz, were unsuccessful, and there was no response to messages sent to him.