Kalwa Hospital Shifts Gears: New Home for Medical College Amid Urgent Upgrades

In response to alarming mortality rates, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has announced the relocation of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital's medical college to a newly designated facility at Lodha Luxuria in Majiwada. This decision follows a tragic period in December 2023, during which 18 patients died within just 24 hours, alongside a reported 110 neonatal fatalities by July 2024.

Major Upgrades on the Horizon

Thane Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao confirmed the state's approval of ₹138 crore for the new building, aimed at enhancing educational and medical services. Plans are also underway to modernize the existing Kalwa hospital, for which the state has allocated an additional ₹135 crore. Rao emphasized that the original hospital structure will remain intact, with plans for floor-by-floor retrofitting to improve its facilities.

 Current Capacity and Future Plans

Currently, Kalwa hospital boasts 500 beds and operates 21 outpatient departments (OPs), managing approximately 2,500 patient visits daily. With 125 new admissions each day and 14 active operation theatres, the hospital is a crucial healthcare provider in the region. The casualty center alone handles around 350 patients each day.

Dr. Rakesh Barot, dean of the medical college, expressed optimism regarding the relocation. He noted that the new facility will create much-needed space, potentially increasing the hospital's bed capacity from 500 to between 750 and 800. Plans are also in motion to introduce an additional MRI center, although the establishment of super-specialty departments remains uncertain.

The college currently has 100 students enrolled, with the potential to expand to 150 as capacity increases. This move marks a significant step towards improving healthcare infrastructure and ensuring better patient outcomes in the region.