Why are patients being referred away from Mumbai civic hospitals?

Patients are being referred because senior resident doctors are allegedly absent from duty, leading to a lack of timely assessment and treatment.

What specific cases are being turned away at Shatabdi Hospital?

Cataract and gallbladder patients have been referred elsewhere from Shatabdi Hospital, despite available doctors and facilities.

Are all Mumbai hospitals affected by doctor absenteeism?

The issue is reported to be widespread across BMC-run peripheral hospitals, including major facilities like Shatabdi and Bhabha Hospitals.

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Mumbai Hospitals Fail Patients: Doctors Absent, Care Denied

16 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Peripheral hospitals in Mumbai are referring patients elsewhere due to absent senior doctors.
Cataract and gallbladder patients were recently turned away without assessment.
Doctors allegedly conduct short rounds then leave for private clinics.

Mumbai Hospitals Fail Patients: Doctors Absent, Care Denied

Peripheral civic hospitals across Mumbai are reportedly failing to provide essential patient care, with many patients being referred to other facilities. The primary reason cited is the alleged absence of senior resident doctors, who are said to punch in and out without attending to patients. This situation is impacting both routine and serious cases, causing significant distress.