Santa Cruz hospital back in business

MUMBAI: People living in the western suburbs have a reason to cheer as Asha Parekh Hospital in Santa Cruz reopened on Saturday.
The hospital had closed down more than a year ago due to a tussle between the management and the workers' union. One of the few private hospitals offering affordable healthcare services, the closure affected patients who relied on it for routine check-ups and dialysis.
The hospital had downed shutters in November 2007 after its administrators declared a lock-out following a clash between the union and the management.Trouble began when a newly formed union-under the aegis of BCJ Hospital Kamgar Sanghatana -demanded recognition and questioned the termination of nine members due to "misconduct".
The hospital, however, claimed it only recognised the Mumbai Mazdoor Sangh. Eventually, the administrators declared a lockout.
Dennis Verghese, a Santa Cruz resident, was a relieved person. "We have been visiting this hospital for a very long time. When it shut down, my mother-in-law was undergoing treatment there. We had to shift her to a hospital in Andheri because of the strike, he said, adding that the reopening of the hospital meant cutting down on travel time and getting quality healthcare once again.
Dr Suketu Shah, CEO of the hospital, said getting the hospital back on its feet was an arduous task. "The workers' union insisted that we reinstate all of them, including the six who were responsible for the rampage. We finally decided to offer VRS to them and recruit new staff," he said.
Dr Shah said the hospital would be upgraded to a multi-specialty facility, including services such as cosmetology, urology, assisted reproduction, joint replacement and minimal invasive surgery. Actor Amitabh Bachchan reopened the hospital and donated Rs 11 lakh for its development.
Dr Arun Bal, president of the Association for Consumers Action on Safety & Health (ACASH), said Asha Parekh Hospital was the right place for the middle class, which preferred a private hospital to a public one. "The closure of the hospital meant people had to travel quite a distance for medical care, he added.
ranjani.rajendra@timesgroup.com