BMC to overhaul KEM Hospital wiring after fire scare, cost over Rs 10 crore
BMC will replace the ageing electrical system at KEM Hospital in Parel following past fire and electrocution incidents, at a cost of over Rs 10 crore
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The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has decided to completely replace the ageing and unsafe electrical system in the main building of the renowned Raje Edward Memorial, or KEM, Hospital in Parel, in a bid to prevent fire hazards and protect patients.
A revised expenditure proposal of about Rs 10,30,87,750 has been prepared for the work and placed before the standing committee and the works committee for final approval.
The decision follows a series of past incidents. On November 22, 2019, a child named Prince Rajbhar died in an electrical accident at KEM Hospital. There have also been earlier fire incidents at a treatment centre at Dahisar Jakat Naka and at hospitals in Thane and Bhandara. The administration has taken this precautionary step in view of these incidents.
The actual contract cost for the work has been fixed at Rs 9,37,16,136. Adding a 10 percent supervision charge takes the total estimated cost to Rs 10,30,87,750. The required funds will be provided for in the revised budget for 2026-27.
KEM Hospital has a capacity of 1,800 beds and is one of eight centres of excellence in the country selected under the central government's National Policy for Rare Diseases 2021. About 18 lakh patients visit the hospital every year for outpatient treatment and 85,000 patients are admitted for treatment. Around 390 doctors, 550 resident doctors, and medical students and staff work round the clock at the hospital. The proposal is likely to get final approval soon, given the need to prevent accidents caused by short circuits at such a crowded and sensitive facility.
The proposal was prepared by the corporation's mechanical and electrical department in view of the need to create a fire-safe environment at the hospital and to fully comply with government safety standards. Four suppliers took part in an online tender process floated by the corporation for the work. Of these, two were eligible bidders, and Messrs Aliprose Engineers quoted a rate 1.93 percent below the corporation's departmental estimate, and has been awarded the work.
