Mumbai, March 27 (NationPress) Maharashtra's Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, announced on Friday that both the State Government and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) are dedicated to ensuring that every resident of Mumbai has access to free, high-quality, and modern healthcare.

During the groundbreaking ceremony for the Phase 2 redevelopment of Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital in Sion, he revealed plans to increase the hospital's capacity from 1,900 to 3,286 beds. The redevelopment project, projected to cost Rs 2,500 crore, will introduce a new main building, a specialized cancer wing, improved emergency services, and an upgraded Outpatient Department (OPD). Completion is anticipated by 2030.

Fadnavis reflected on the hospital's evolution from a basic 60-bed facility in 1947 to its current position as a leading medical center. He pointed out that Sion Hospital hosts one of Asia's largest trauma care centers, a human milk bank, and a specialized skin bank for burn patients. He emphasized the necessity of modernization due to the rising number of patients.

The Chief Minister's announcement includes plans for a 15-storey structure with a capacity of 2,200 beds, a 13-storey Cancer Care facility housing 200 beds, and a 14-storey Emergency Services building with 600 beds.

Furthermore, a 25-storey tower for medical personnel will be constructed, featuring over 40 operating theatres and a 14-storey OPD that can accommodate 16,000 patients daily. Advanced diagnostic technologies like MRI, CT Scans, PET Scans, and a pneumatic tube system for rapid sample transport will be integrated.

Fadnavis noted that through the Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana, citizens can receive free medical treatment up to Rs 5 lakh for nearly 2,400 illnesses. For nine specific critical conditions, financial support can reach up to Rs 22 lakh. He stressed the vital role of technology in the future of healthcare, asserting that this hospital will extensively utilize modern innovations.

BMC Mayor Ritu Tawde characterized the redevelopment as a pivotal moment, stating, “Known as the ‘Infra Man,’ Devendra Fadnavis has guaranteed that the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund becomes a dependable right for millions of patients.”

She highlighted that the BMC is the sole organization in the nation that provides primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare under one umbrella, catering to over 75 lakh outpatients annually. The “One City, One Health System” initiative aims to ensure seamless coordination among all municipal hospitals.

On the occasion, Fadnavis also launched E-Buggy ambulances for patient transport within the hospital grounds.