September 17, 2025: Shubhangi Khot, who travelled from Ratnagiri with her ailing brother, arrived at Mumbai’s King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital only to discover the grim reality of a public health system under immense strain. Like hundreds of families from across Maharashtra and neighbouring states, she struggled to secure a bed at one of Asia’s largest civic-run hospitals, where wards are overflowing during the monsoon season.
KEM handles nearly 18.74 lakh outpatient visits annually, with more than 65,000 admissions and 70,000 procedures. Despite its 2,250 beds, demand far exceeds capacity, often forcing two patients to share a single bed. “Many patients come from Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Palghar, and even other states. Since the hospital is so large, navigating between departments can be confusing, and securing a bed in the Medicine ward often feels like winning a war,” said former corporator Sachin Padwal, who assists patients at the hospital.
Overcrowding is compounded by crumbling infrastructure. In May 2025, heavy rains flooded critical areas, including the paediatric ICU, while heritage-protected wards show cracked ceilings and seepage. Diagnostic facilities are overstretched, with the CT scan machine frequently breaking down and the lone MRI unit forcing patients to wait up to four months. “How can a patient wait for two months when immediate treatment is required?” asked Byculla resident Nazia Sayad, who was compelled to seek a scan outside.
Medicine shortages further strain families, while staffing gaps exacerbate patient hardships. Only 1,100 of 1,991 sanctioned Class IV posts are filled, leaving ward boys overworked. “Promised recruitments must happen immediately,” said Pradeep Narkar of the Municipal Mazdoor Union.
Nursing students also endure overcrowded hostels and rat infestations, adding to the crisis. Experts stress urgent reforms in infrastructure, staffing, and diagnostics to preserve KEM’s role as Mumbai’s healthcare lifeline.
Source: The Free Press Journal
