In KEM gynaec ward, severe berth pangs

The shortage of mattresses has also made it difficult to even accommodate patients on the floor, a senior doctor said, adding that the congestion could prove unhygienic. This could spread infection, he added.

In ward 14A, Ulka said it took several days for her tobe allotted a bed while Rajshree Gaikwad said she had come to KEM Hospital since the Sion Hospital ward is shut. She said she was in labour when she arrived and the trip to KEM was painful.

Dean of KEM Hospital, Dr R G Shirhatti, said that while the patients could not be refused admission, efforts are on to accommodate some of the patients in peripheral hospitals in Dharavi.

S S Kudalkar, ward officer, Sion Hospital, said the renovation began about two weeks ago with a view to separating the sterile and non-sterile areas to reduce infection. He said it is expected to be completed in about two months.