Mumbai’s BMC Hospitals Face Drug Crisis as Suppliers Halt Deliveries
Mumbai’s BMC-run hospitals are on edge as suppliers threaten to stop drug deliveries over unpaid dues totaling ₹120 crore
Mumbai, India, BMC, Drug Crisis, Suppliers, Healthcare
Mumbai: So, here’s the scoop. Mumbai’s BMC-run hospitals are really worried right now. Drug suppliers are saying they might stop deliveries because the BMC owes them a whopping ₹120 crore.
This isn’t just a random issue. Just recently, Krsnaa Diagnostics pulled out of its pathology services under the Aapli Chikitsa scheme for the same reason—unpaid bills. The All Food and Drugs Licence Holder Foundation, which has over 150 suppliers, is planning to halt supplies starting January 13 if they don’t get their payments sorted out. This could really mess up healthcare in the city.
Abhay Pandye, the president of AFDLHF, mentioned that suppliers are in a tough spot financially. He said, “Our members are on the brink of financial ruin.” That’s pretty serious, right?
And guess what? This isn’t the first time something like this has happened. BYL Nair Hospital faced a similar crisis when vendors stopped delivering essential surgical materials. It really hit hard in departments like cardiology and orthopaedics.
A vendor from the western suburbs shared his frustration, saying, “The payment delays have become unbearable. Supplying to BMC hospitals has turned into a constant struggle.” Sounds exhausting!
In a letter to BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, the suppliers laid it all out. They said, “The outstanding dues have left our members under immense pressure.” They’re really at their wit’s end and feel they have no choice but to stop supplies until they get paid.
On the bright side, Sanjay Kurhade, the Deputy Commissioner of BMC’s health department, said they’re working on fixing this issue. Let’s hope they can sort it out soon!