Currency exchange kiosk at Mumbai’s KEM hospital brings relief to patients, staff

Considering the problems faced by patients owing to demonetisation of notes, the hospital is housing counters run by Indian Post services and Punjab National Bank to exchange old currency notes.

sadaguru.pandit@hindustantimes.com

Even as the city struggles to get cash, more than 400 patients at KEM Hospital, their relatives and staff members were able to exchange over Rs15 lakh over the past 48 hours at the special exchange counters set up inside the municipal hospital.

Considering the problems faced by patients owing to demonetisation of notes, the hospital is housing counters run by Indian Post services and Punjab National Bank to exchange old currency notes.

Dr Avinash Supe, dean of KEM Hospital and director of medical education, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), said the decision to set up the counters was taken after officials from both organisations suggested the idea. “We granted them permission immediately. We have got a great response,” said Dr Supe.

A total of 258 individuals exchanged over Rs10 lakh with the help of post office counters, more than 151 people got old currencies worth Rs4.5 lakh exchanged at Punjab National Bank outlet. “We have instructed all deans and medical superintendents that if a nationalised bank approaches them to set up counters inside the hospital, they should immediately consult and give permissions,” added Dr Supe.