Mumbai’s BMC Hospitals Face Medical Crisis: Suppliers Threaten Halt Over ₹120 Crore Unpaid Dues

Mumbai, Maharashtra: Mumbai’s civic-run hospitals are heading toward a looming crisis as over 150 drug suppliers, represented by the All Food and Drugs Licence Holder Foundation (AFDLHF), have announced they will halt medical supplies from January 13. The move comes in response to ₹120 crore in pending dues that have gone unpaid for four months.

AFDLHF president Abhay Pandye warned of an imminent financial collapse for suppliers, many of whom are already under severe pressure. The delayed payments have already disrupted services in hospitals like BYL Nair, where essential surgical supplies were halted, particularly affecting cardiology, ophthalmology, and orthopaedics departments.

A frustrated vendor expressed the growing dissatisfaction: “Supplying to BMC hospitals has turned into a constant struggle, with repeated reminders falling on deaf ears,” he said.

The situation mirrors that of Krsnaa Diagnostics, which recently ended pathology services under the Aapli Chikitsa scheme due to similar payment issues. The AFDLHF has sent a formal letter to BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, urging immediate resolution. However, Sanjay Kurhade, Deputy Commissioner of BMC's health department, assured that efforts are underway to prevent a healthcare collapse.

If left unresolved, this financial crisis could severely compromise the healthcare services of Mumbai's civic hospitals, leaving patients and staff in a dire situation.