Mumbai gets another multispecialty hospital

EHM News Bureau - Mumbai

Experience has shown neither government nor private or corporate hospitals have succeeded in meeting the healthcare demands of the people in the country. Charitable hospitals have met them to a large extent. I would like to clarify that I do not oppose the private sector’s role in healthcare. Involving the private sector is inevitable, but public sector must remain an integral part of healthcare sector. Also there is tremendous scope for charitable institutes in the country and this hospital is a shining example of it,” said prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh while inaugurating the multi-specialty, Saifee Hospital in the city.

“Today our country is burdened with not only communicable diseases but also lifestyle diseases. We must all therefore work together to devise innovative ways to tackle both sets of maladies, not an easy task with times,” he added.

“When I see ventures such as this magnificent hospital, it gives me great hope for our vast and ancient land. I conclude by complimenting all associated with Saifee Hospital, members of the hospital and the Dawoodi Bohra community for their nobel task,” said Dr Singh.

The function was part of Dr Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (TUS), spiritual head of the worldwide Dawoodi Bohra community’s 94th birthday celebration and was attended by numerous ministers from several countries, politicians, diplomats and heads of international institutes. Prime Minister of Srilanka, Mahinda Mahapaksa was present along with several other shaikhs, dignitaries and foreign delegates. From the political circle were Vilasrao Deshmukh, chief minister of Maharashtra, Arjun Singh, cabinet minister, Sushil Kumar Shinde, besides Governor of Andhra Pradesh. Among the stars spotted were Dharmendra, Raj Babbar, Dilip Kumar, Saira Banu, Jackie Shroff and cricketer Sunil Gavaskar.

“This architecturally graceful hospital will add to the beauty of Mumbai while providing invaluable services to its citizens” were the sentiments expressed by former Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee in his message.

The multi-specialty hospital was conceptualised and built by the 52nd Dai al-Mutlaq, Dr Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (TUS). “Under the directives of Syedna, Saifee Hospital shall endeavour to provide medical treatment that is safe, ethical and affordable to all human beings irrespective of caste, creed, or religion,” said Shaikh Yusuf Qasimji, CEO of the hospital.

The 150 crore hospital project has been funded by Syedna personally, with the contributions from the international Dawoodi Bohra community as a tribute to Syedna’s father and predecessor, Dr Syedna Taher Saifuddin.

Strategically located at Charni Road in South Mumbai, Saifee Hospital is a 14 floor, modern hospital with 259 beds and 700 medical and support personnel offering comprehensive medical and surgical care by internationally renowned doctors using state-of-the-art technology, some of which will be available in India for the first time. The hospital offers the latest diagnostic and therapeutic facilities integrated with the hospital information system, latest radiology and imaging equipment, a dedicated ICU floor with 37 beds, six operations theatres, distinctive maternity wards, physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Other services offered are holistic care that includes, preventive healthcare, fitness facilities and alternative medicine. The hospital has 22 free beds and has used only one of 11 floors for deluxe beds.