Mumbai: The BMC is working on design and structural specifications for constructing a helipad on KEM hospital's proposed 45-storeyed new building. The ambitious project of the new hospital building along with the helicopter landing facility will be more than Rs 300 crore project, officials say. However, questions are raised as is the helipad on a the hospital needed or should the BMC concentrate on enhancing existing health facilities?
Activist Godfrey Pimenta strongly objected the proposal, citing his experience of a failed helipad facility on Essar House in Mahalaxmi. "I worked as a consultant for Essar building located opposite Mahalaxmi racecourse which has a helipad facility, but never operated. During the trial landing itself it was observed the building was shaking heavily and the last two-three floors structurally could not take the load of helicopter landing. Imagine this happening at a hospital?," Pimenta questioned.
"If the building shakes even a bit, it will create anxiety among patients. Additionally in the coastal city like Mumbai, where the rains and winds are strong during monsoon, it can also be a safety issue. Instead, the BMC should invest money and efforts only on improving health facilities, which will help the common man," Pimenta added.
The FPJ had reported on April 24 that the helipad is proposed on the new building next to the existing premises of the BMC-run KEM hospital, with a doctor saying the are planning for 50-years ahead and want to make KEM a go-to hospital for common man as well as VIPs.
While an official privy to project also pointed that if the BMC is planning to start a helipad facility in Worli along the Coastal Road, the proposal of helipad on KEM hospital's new building can be reconsidered. Instead the helipad facility at Mahalaxmi racecourse can be made open for public use.
Pimenta, who is also the trustee at Watchdog Foundation added, "The Mahalaxmi racecourse land is now with the BMC and it is constructing new facilities on the racecourse. They can easily open the helipad facility at racecourse for public use."
The 45-storeyed new building at KEM hospital with enhanced health facilities was announced by CM Devendra Fadnavis and DCM Eknath Shinde during the centenary year celebration of the hospital earlier this year.
The new building will accomodate additional beds, extended health facilities of the existing building, some department are proposed to be shifted. However, it is still in a planning stage.
Once the design is final, tenders are floated, it will take minimum five years to complete the new hospital building. The BMC also has to ensure heritage constructions are not damaged and have to demolition a existing structure on the approximately 2500 sq mt land where the new building is proposed.
