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NCP cracks down on Holy Spirit Hospital over denial of free treatment to poor

  •   Wed, Aug 06 2025 10:20:54 PM

Rons Bantwal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 6: Alleging that the Holy Spirit Hospital in Andheri East is flouting government regulations by failing to provide free medical treatment to economically weaker sections, a delegation from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP – Sharad Pawar faction) visited the hospital on Tuesday and held a high-level meeting with its trustees and directors.

The visit came after growing complaints that poor and middle-class patients were denied access to government-mandated free or subsidised healthcare services. The NCP team confirmed that the hospital had not displayed any visible government notice boards informing the public about such schemes — a clear violation of transparency norms.

Taking strong note of this, the delegation demanded the hospital immediately:

 

  • Reserve 30 beds for poor and lower-middle-class patients at concessional rates

  • Install large, clearly visible signage at the hospital entrance, outlining available free and subsidised services

 

Hospital authorities responded positively to the demands. They assured the delegation that a meeting would be convened soon with all department heads to implement the necessary measures. They agreed in principle to offer free treatment to 30 patients across departments, particularly benefiting those from low-income backgrounds.

The NCP leaders also highlighted the lack of proper communication between hospital staff and patients. They urged the hospital to establish dedicated medical help centres to bridge the gap between doctors, nurses, and patients, and to ensure smoother service delivery.

“We were informed that instructions have already been issued to improve patient-staff coordination and set up centralised help desks. The hospital has accepted the suggestion and assured quick implementation,” said Laxman C Poojary Chitrapu, senior vice-president of NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) and observer for North Central Mumbai District.

The NCP delegation included Mumbai general secretary Vilasrao Shinde, local leaders from BMC Ward 121, and other party office-bearers. They were formally received by the hospital's trustee president, secretary, and public relations officers.

The party has warned it will continue to monitor the hospital’s compliance and escalate the issue if corrective measures are not taken soon.

 
 
 
 
  

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Comment on this article

  • Annie Edwin, Mumbai

    Tue, Aug 12 2025

    Holy Spirit Hospital has a proud legacy of delivering compassionate, ethical healthcare especially to the underprivileged. We are confident the institution will uphold its core values, address any concerns transparently, and continue its unwavering commitment to inclusive and responsible medical service.

    DisAgree Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sunil Barretto, mumbai

    Mon, Aug 11 2025

    We are deeply concerned about the recent news report, which we believe to be inaccurate and misleading regarding Holy Spirit Hospital’s practices and adherence to regulatory standards. As a charitable, not-for-profit hospital, we have been serving the community with dedication and integrity for over 50 years. We would like to take this opportunity to clarify the facts and address the claims made in the report. Holy Spirit Hospital is in compliance with all applicable rules and regulations laid down by the Maharashtra Public Trusts Act, 1950, and the Maharashtra Charitable Commissioner’s Office. Furthermore, we fully adhere to the Scheme for Treatment of Indigent & Weaker Section Patients (IPF), ensuring that we provide high-quality healthcare services to those in need. In addition to our hospital services, we run Health Centres in the nearby Andheri and Jogeshwari areas, where underprivileged patients are given almost free treatment. We also conduct regular health camps in rural parts of Maharashtra, reaching out to people who may not have access to proper healthcare facilities. As part of our commitment to the public, we keep 30 beds reserved for the poor at all times, as required by law. There are large, clearly visible signs at both the entrance and the admission counter of the hospital that outline the free and subsidized services available to patients—something that was also verified by the visiting delegation. We also submit periodic reports to the Charitable Commissioner’s Office, in accordance with legal requirements. These reports can be verified by any concerned citizens by contacting the office of the Charitable Commissioner directly. We urge the public to verify these details with the relevant authorities and understand that the hospital’s commitment to service remains unwavering. Yours Sincerely, Sunil Barretto Public Relations Officer Holy Spirit Hospital, Mumbai

    DisAgree Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse


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