SRA camp holds up Sewri hospital’s new TB unit

According to BMC’s chief health officer Dr Arun Bamne,the new unit — Bahadurji block — will have 200-odd beds for 120-150 MDR and XDR patients currently admitted in the main TB hospital. “Separating MDR patients from TB patients is essential. It will prevent the latter from contracting the infection,” medical superintendent Dr Rajendra Nanavare said.

The new unit hit a dead-end after residents of Matoshri Sahkari Grahnirman Sanstha moved High Court,which ordered against them. They then moved Supreme Court,which also shot down their appeal.

Now,the residents,along with Omkar Developers and Builders,have asked the Supreme Court to provide relief for three months,after which they will vacate the area. However,BMC plans to give them time till August 10.

“Earlier,there were around 350 residents. One of the SRA buildings was demolished following HC order,which led to removal of around 100 residents. Now,233 are left,” Nanavare said.

The new wing is about half a km away from the main TB hospital. It earlier housed women TB patients. In the 80s,it was shut down as the number of patients was less. According to Nanavare,the wing’s open area had been given to SRA for a transit camp for the last five-six years.

BMC now expects to shift patients to the new wing immediately after August 10. According to Nanavare,the hospital’s civil work has been completed and the management is waiting for the residents to vacate the premises.

tabassum.barnagarwala@expressindia.com