Mumbai's First BMC Disaster Ward Opens Soon

Dr BYL Nair Hospital in Mumbai is establishing the city's first dedicated disaster management ward, a facility designed to handle mass casualties and large-scale emergencies. This new unit, located in the upgraded casualty block, is slated to be operational in approximately six months with an initial capacity of 21 beds.

The ward will be equipped to manage multiple patients during major disasters, maintaining reserves of critical medical supplies, equipment, and medicines. It will also include a blood collection room for rapid testing and a patient decontamination room for those exposed to hazardous substances. This facility aims to stabilize patients before transferring them to specialized units, streamlining emergency response.

The revamped casualty department at Nair Hospital, which was inaugurated recently, also includes enhanced paediatric, orthopaedic, and medical emergency services, a minor operation theatre, and plaster room. The emergency operation authorisations can now be processed round the clock, and the number of beds has been increased. The expansion plan also involves constructing a new residential complex for medical officers and an oncology building.