Mumbai North West MP Ravindra Waikar raised a significant demand in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, calling for the establishment of an AIIMS-like hospital and a dedicated cancer research center in the suburbs of Mumbai. Highlighting the increasing strain on the city’s healthcare infrastructure and the alarming rise in cancer cases, Waikar stressed the urgent need for advanced, affordable medical facilities to cater to the growing population.
Mumbai, often referred to as the economic capital of Maharashtra, witnesses a constant influx of patients from across the country seeking treatment. However, Waikar noted that even renowned hospitals like K.E.M. and Tata Memorial are struggling to cope with the overwhelming demand for healthcare services. He pointed out that the lack of modern medical equipment in many public hospitals further exacerbates the situation.
The MP also drew attention to the rising burden of cancer patients in the country, stating that specialized hospitals remain scarce, leaving patients and their families to grapple with exorbitant treatment costs at private facilities. He argued that a dedicated cancer research center would not only ensure timely treatment but also significantly advance cancer-related research in the region.
Waikar emphasized the disparity in healthcare infrastructure, citing examples of Bihar having two AIIMS hospitals, while Nagpur remains the only city in Maharashtra to host an AIIMS facility. He questioned the absence of such an institution in Mumbai, a city that serves as a critical hub for healthcare in the country.
“Middle-class and low-income families in Mumbai are in dire need of affordable healthcare,” Waikar said, urging the central government to act promptly in setting up an AIIMS-like hospital in the city’s suburbs. He stressed that such a facility would alleviate the burden on existing hospitals and provide quality, accessible treatment to thousands of citizens.
The demand for a cancer research center and an AIIMS-like institution in Mumbai reflects the growing concern over the city’s healthcare challenges. Waikar’s proposal, if implemented, could provide significant relief to ordinary citizens while addressing the critical need for improved healthcare infrastructure in one of the country’s most populous cities.