MBMC fails to renew medical policy of staff

Mumbai: The Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) which boasts of a Rs 1,562 crore annual budget has failed to renew the medical policy of its 1,500-odd employees. The policy has lapsed for more than ten months. The startling reality came to light when leakage from a chlorine gas cylinder at a waterworks in Bhayandar landed seven MBMC employees including five fire fighters in hospital on Republic Day eve. However, the kin of the firemen were shocked to learn that medical insurance policies worth Rs 2 lakh had lapsed since  April 20, 2017, as the MBMC had failed to renew the cashless mediclaim system.  

While four of them were discharged after treatment, Jagdish Patil, Santosh Mashaal and Sanjay Mhatre were shifted to the ICU of Thunga Hospital as they were found to be suffering from acute respiratory distress syndrome. All were discharged after their condition stabilised on Saturday evening.

“Uninterrupted cashless mediclaim facilities and that too, not less than Rs 5 lakh is needed. We hope that the civic chief would look into our grievances and gives the department its due credit.” said chief fire officer Prakash Borade.  

Although the civic administration claims to have shouldered the responsibility of clearing the hospital dues, the incident has exposed the apathy of officials and the ruling governance towards the well-being of its own staffers.

“The undue delay is a result of high rates quoted by aspiring bidders. Tenders have been recalled and will be finalized soon. As a stop-gap arrangement medical expenses are currently reimbursed to employees.” said deputy civic chief Vijay Kumar Mhasaal.