September 6, 2025: Dr R. N. Cooper Municipal General Hospital, one of Mumbai’s busiest civic-run facilities, is grappling with severe infrastructure and staffing challenges as patient numbers continue to soar. Serving more than 7.5 lakh outpatients annually—over 2,000 every day—the hospital has become a critical healthcare centre for the city’s western suburbs and beyond.
The hospital, which caters to residents from Vile Parle, Juhu, Santacruz, Andheri and surrounding districts, plays a vital role in emergencies owing to its proximity to the Western Express Highway and both airports. Despite a major expansion in 2013, which increased capacity to 715 beds including 40 for critical care, the facility is unable to keep pace with demand. Daily queues at registration counters stretch for hours, with the problem worsening whenever contract staff fail to report for duty. In September 2025, the expiry of several contracts led to near-paralysis at registration desks, forcing nurses to abandon medical duties to manage clerical work.
Staffing has long been a weak link. Out of 1,296 sanctioned posts, nearly 300 were vacant as far back as 2017, and shortages persist across key roles such as doctors, technicians and support staff. Reliance on temporary workers has created instability, with delayed salaries and job insecurity further lowering morale.
Equally concerning are lapses in hygiene and waste management. A recent video showing rats in the women’s ward drew outrage, while biomedical waste was found dumped near the mortuary. In August 2025, the BMC was compelled to form a special committee to monitor cleanliness—an admission of systemic failure.
With strained infrastructure, inadequate manpower and hygiene concerns, Cooper Hospital’s situation underscores the urgent need for sustainable investment in Mumbai’s public healthcare facilities.
Source: The Free Pres Journal
