Low-cost healthcare: BMC to open 7 more dialysis centres in city

To provide health treatment at concessional rates, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) recently approved the setting up of 7 more hemodialysis centres at various civic hospitals in the city, reports Poorvi Kulkarni.

To provide health treatment at concessional rates, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) recently approved the setting up of 7 more hemodialysis centres at various civic hospitals in the city.

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This public-private-partnership initiative was launched by the civic body in 2010 when it opened 2 dialysis centres to cater to citizens suffering from renal failures.

Last week, the civic improvements committee approved 7 proposals for setting up dialysis centres by leasing out certain portions of properties of civic hospitals to charitable trusts that had come forward to run these centres.

These centres would be providing treatment to citizens at rates that are 21 to 57 per cent lower than those set by the civic body.

“Citizens spend thousands on a hemodialysis session in private hospitals as they want to be ensured of hygienic conditions. Private charitable trusts, however, provide citizens treatment of first-rate quality at concessional rates. Many more charitable organisations are coming forward to provide their services in the BMC’s health sector. We need to cut red tape and open up opportunities for them,” said Ram Barot, civic improvements committee chairman and Bharatiya Janata Party corporator.