Mumbai’s civic-run KEM Hospital on Monday informed the Bombay High Court that reports and visuals showing severe waterlogging in its premises following heavy rainfall on May 26 were “misleading.”
Submitting an affidavit on Monday, the hospital clarified that only a temporary accumulation of rainwater had occurred in an open corridor, and it was quickly cleared without affecting patient areas or hospital operations.
No Disruption In Patient Care
Responding to the court’s concerns over media coverage and videos that surfaced after the downpour, KEM Dean Dr. Sangeeta Ravat stated that the main treatment areas, wards, and diagnostic units like MRI and X-ray rooms remained dry and fully functional.
“Critical patient care areas such as wards, radiology department, MRI and X-Ray rooms remained completely unaffected and the hospital operations continued without any disruption,” the affidavit said.
According to the hospital, on the day of the heavy rainfall, the facility still managed to conduct 19 MRIs, 120 CT scans, and 270 X-rays, demonstrating that services were not interrupted.
Temporary Accumulation, Not Waterlogging
The affidavit explains that the ground floor corridor affected by water was an open passage, and gusty winds and intense rain caused temporary pooling of water. However, the water quickly receded once rainfall intensity dropped, aided by additional suction pumps installed by the hospital.
“The rainwater which accumulated in the passageway receded quickly… and was not in an area where patients were being treated or made to wait,” it clarified.
The hospital also emphasized that the area affected was not used for medical procedures or patient waiting, rejecting claims that patients were forced to sit in ankle-deep water.
Preventive Measures
Following the court’s directions last month, BMC officials inspected the hospital on May 30 to understand the issue and recommend solutions. In the meantime, KEM Hospital has erected a temporary shed along the open corridor to prevent direct ingress of rainwater during future showers.
The court, led by Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne, took note of the hospital’s explanation but sought a timeline for the implementation of short-term preventive measures. The matter is scheduled for a follow-up hearing next week.
This clarification from KEM Hospital comes as the city braces for further monsoon activity and scrutiny mounts on public infrastructure preparedness amid extreme weather events.
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