Locals warn poll boycott over hosp privatisation bid

PRIVATE IRE | The BMC received 3 bids to operate the Govandi hosp, one has been rejected; the two bidders still in the race are Terna Public Charitable Trust and Surabhi Education Society.

- Amit Srivastava

As the BMC moves ahead with its plan to hand over healthcare services, including the newly constructed Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya Shatabdi Hospital in Govandi to private operators, residents and health activists from Mankhurd, Chembur, Trombay, and neighbouring areas are preparing for a mass protest.

Local groups have warned they will boycott any civic election candidates who fail to oppose the BMC's public-private partnership (PPP) model, with municipal polls expected in January 2026.

The civic body has received three bids to operate the Govandi Shatabdi Hospital, of which one has been rejected on technical grounds. The two bidders still in the race are Terna Public Charitable Trust and The Surabhi Education Society. Residents have objected to Terna's participation, alleging links to relatives of a senior leader from the ruling party.