Mumbai Civic Body Plans to Fill Medical Vacancies by 2027

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced plans to address significant staffing shortages at Cooper Hospital by filling key medical vacancies through a contract-based hiring strategy. The Public Health Department received approval for a two-month extension for current doctors and assistant professors, allowing them to continue their roles while the recruitment process unfolds.

During a press briefing on Thursday, Deputy Municipal Commissioner Sharad Ughade confirmed, “We have received approval for the extension. In the meantime, we have also been permitted to fill all vacant posts by hiring doctors and assistant professors on a contract basis, valid until March 30, 2027.” This initiative aims to enhance the hospital’s operational capabilities and patient care services.

According to Dr. Neelam Andrade, Director of Medical Education and Hospitals at BMC, the recruitment effort will target at least 75 percent of the 217 vacant posts. “Of the total vacancies, 120 will definitely be filled on contract,” she stated, indicating a clear commitment to improving staffing levels.

In addition to addressing personnel shortages, BMC officials reported that 1,149 bills and purchase orders for Cooper Hospital have been cleared, facilitating the procurement of essential medical supplies. Ughade elaborated on the hospital’s zero-prescription policy, sharing that the rate circulation for liquid medical oxygen has been completed, and supplies are being distributed accordingly. He also noted that 50–60 percent of essential medical items, including medicines and syringes, have received bids, reflecting ongoing efforts to ensure adequate stock.

Technological Upgrades and Future Plans

The BMC is also making strides in enhancing hospital management through technological upgrades. Progress is underway on the upgraded Hospital Management Information System (HMIS) digital platform, which will streamline outpatient department (OPD) registration under a unified system, generating a unique ID for each patient. Currently, this system is being piloted at KEM Hospital, where 22 out of 35 modules have been completed. Ughade stated, “Once successful at KEM, which handles around 15,000 OPD cases daily, the system will be implemented across peripheral hospitals.”

Looking ahead, Ughade confirmed that the renovated MT Agarwal Hospital and Bhagwati Hospital are set to become operational in the coming year, further bolstering the healthcare infrastructure in the region.

The combined efforts of the BMC to fill vacancies and implement technological advancements aim to significantly improve healthcare delivery in Mumbai, ensuring that residents have access to quality medical services in a timely manner.