FSI Benefits, But No Free Beds? Pune Hospitals Treated Just 247 Needy Patients In 3 Years Despite PMC Tie-Up
The four major private hospitals in the city including Sahyadri Hospital, Aundh Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS), Inlaks & Budhrani Hospital and Ruby Hall Clinic have provided only 247 free beds over the past three years despite the existence of an agreement between Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and these hospitals enabling provision of free treatment to over 6,000 needy patients per annum.
The PMC had granted an additional 0.5 Floor Space Index (FSI) to these four private hospitals on the condition that they would provide free beds to poor patients recommended by the PMC.
As per the agreement, Sahyadri Hospital must reserve five general ward beds daily for free treatment (excluding surgeries) for up to 21 days per patient. Ruby Hall Clinic to reserve 12 beds, AIMS eight beds (excluding cardiology and cardiac surgery) and Inlaks & Budhrani Hospital nine beds for free eye treatment.
On an average, these hospitals should have collectively treated thousands of patients annually. Sahyadri should have treated 180 to 360 patients annually, Ruby Hall 432 to 864 patients, AIMS 288 to 576 patients and Inlaks & Budhrani Hospital 324 to 648 patients. But from 2021 to 2024, the total number of patients treated for free at all four hospitals stands merely at 247.
While Ruby Hall Clinic treated 34 patients in 2022, 22 in 2023 and only 19 in 2024, Sahyadri and Inlaks & Budhrani have treated 55 and 76 patients, respectively, over three years.
Eligibility for free beds:
Only Pune residents holding yellow or orange ration cards are eligible for this scheme. The patient or their relative must approach PMC's Health Department with valid documents to get an official letter, which then can be used to claim a free bed at these hospitals. In case of refusal, complaints can be submitted directly to the PMC.
Lack of awareness a major issue:
Due to poor public awareness, many patients miss out on free treatment. Civic activists and citizens are now demanding that the income eligibility be raised to ₹3 lakh annually to include more needy individuals.
Dr Sanjeev Wavare, Assistant Health Officer, PMC, said, "The PMC has a tie-up with four hospitals and they are mandated to give free treatment to the patients coming from underprivileged backgrounds. The number of patients availing the facility will be increased by increasing the awareness and we are committed to spreading awareness and ensuring more citizens benefit from it."
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