‘Focus on strengthening healthcare system’: KEM resident doctors oppose renaming of iconic Mumbai hospital

Dr Aastha Singh, vice-president of MARD, said the proposal was “deeply disappointing and unacceptable”, particularly because resident doctors were not consulted. “We are one of the most integral pillars of this hospital, and such a significant decision should not be taken without considering our voice,” she said.

KEM Hospital, attached to Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College, is among Mumbai’s largest public healthcare institutions and caters to thousands of patients, drawing people from across Maharashtra and neighbouring states. Doctors pointed out that its name has become synonymous with accessible and quality public healthcare.

MARD representatives argued that renaming the hospital does little to resolve long-standing infrastructural and administrative challenges. “At a time when resident doctors continue to face issues such as poor hostel infrastructure, frequent lift breakdowns, and irregular stipend disbursement, the focus must remain on strengthening the healthcare system and improving working conditions,” Dr Swapnil Gaikwad, general secretary, MARD, said.

Doctors also emphasised that altering the name of a legacy institution risks eroding its established identity and credibility. “The name KEM carries decades of trust, service, and excellence. This legacy must be preserved. Instead of renaming an existing institution, we want the government to invest in improving the existing healthcare facilities with modern infrastructure,” Dr Ravi Sapkal, vice-president, BMC MARD, said.

“If there is a vision to create a new healthcare identity, it would be far more constructive to establish a new hospital with better facilities for both patients and healthcare workers. We are urging the BMC and the KEM Dean to drop any proposal to rename KEM Hospital and prioritise reforms that directly impact patient care and doctors’ welfare,” he added.