Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Ashwini Bhide has directed all the departments to ensure that the premises of municipal health institutions remain clean and encroachment-free at all times. While reviewing the monthly departmental meeting at the BMC headquarters on Saturday, Bhide directed assistant commissioners of all the wards to personally inspect health centres, dispensaries, ‘Aapla Dawakhana’ clinics, polyclinics, maternity homes, specialty hospitals, and medical colleges in their respective wards on a regular basis, apart from routine ward inspections.
Highlighting the importance of the civic body’s healthcare network, the civic commissioner noted that BMC runs over 500 health institutions, including health posts, primary healthcare centres, `Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Aapla Dawakhana` clinics, polyclinics, maternity homes, specialty hospitals, and medical colleges. These facilities cater to more than two crore patients annually.
Key directives issued by civic commissioner
Maintain structural safety of buildings through regular audits and timely repairs.
Ensure adequate housekeeping and security staff at all health facilities.
Improve signage, beautification, and overall presentation of health institutions to make them more citizen-friendly.
Keep surroundings encroachment-free and create a safe, clean, and disciplined environment.
Ensure uninterrupted water and electricity supply along with strict adherence to fire safety norms.
Regular cleaning, maintenance, and disinfection of toilets.
Regular trimming of tree branches for better visibility and safety.
Road development works
The civic commissioner also reviewed ongoing road development works and instructed that all road repair and construction works must be completed by May 31. She emphasised that roads should be developed in full stretch with uniform quality, proper milling where required, and no undulations. She also directed reinstallation of speed breakers near schools and hospitals.
Pre-monsoon preparedness
Strict instructions were given to ensure no manhole covers remain open. All manholes have to be fitted with protective grills before the monsoon. Long-term solutions for chronic waterlogging spots were also discussed.
Solid waste management
Big waste generators (housing societies, hotels, malls, IT companies, hospitals) have been asked to mandatorily register with the BMC. So far, 17,624 such entities have registered. Bhide directed strict enforcement and awareness drives for proper segregation and processing of wet and dry waste.
The monthly review meeting was attended by additional municipal commissioners Dr Vipin Sharma, Dr Ashwini Joshi, Abhijeet Bangar, Dr Avinash Dhakne, and other senior officials.
