Heavy rains have been hitting Mumbai since April and May, with the India Meteorological Department issuing warnings for the city and the Konkan region. Despite these early signs, civic hospitals in Mumbai seem to be dragging their feet when it comes to preparing for the monsoon. Experts predict that the monsoon could arrive as early as June 1, almost two weeks ahead of schedule. To assess the hospitals’ readiness, mid-day decided to check in on their preparedness for the upcoming rainy season.
Training is a key aspect of monsoon preparedness for civic hospitals. Every year, the BMC conducts training for the heads of the community medicine departments at major civic hospitals. Dr. Vinaykumar Singh from KEM Hospital mentioned that they are yet to receive any communication about the training, which is crucial for stocking up on medicines, managing diseases like malaria and dengue, and preparing additional wards and beds for patients. Similarly, Dr. Shailesh Mohite from Nair Hospital confirmed that they have not been informed about the training schedule.
While some hospitals, like Nair Hospital, have started preparations for monsoon-related cases since May 1 and plan to set up special OPDs by June 1, others like Sion Hospital are taking a more relaxed approach. Dr. Mohan Joshi from Sion Hospital mentioned that they will wait until June 10 or 15 to set up special OPDs, as they do not anticipate any major medical emergencies due to the current rainfall. Cooper Hospital, under the leadership of Dr. Sudhir Medhekar, has also not received any directives for special monsoon arrangements.
Despite different approaches to preparedness, all hospitals have ensured that they have diesel generators in place to tackle expected power cuts during the monsoon. The mismatch in responses from various hospitals raises concerns about the city’s overall preparedness for the upcoming monsoon season.
In conclusion, while some hospitals are gearing up for potential monsoon-related challenges, others seem to be taking a more laid-back approach. With the monsoon expected to arrive earlier than usual, it is crucial for all hospitals to be adequately prepared to handle any surge in diseases or emergencies that may arise. The delay in training and setting up special OPDs could pose a risk to the city’s healthcare infrastructure, especially during the unpredictable monsoon season.
