On May 30, 2025, the Bombay High Court directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to take immediate measures to prevent waterlogging at the civic-run King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital in Parel. This order follows severe flooding during a recent downpour that disrupted medical services, including in critical areas like the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), where patients were seen in ankle-deep water.

The court, comprising Justices Gauri Godse and Somasekhar Sundaresan, expressed serious concern over the situation, emphasizing that a hospital cannot be allowed to flood and must maintain hygiene and cleanliness. They recalled KEM Hospital’s reputation as one of India’s top medical institutions and stressed the need for immediate remedial action.

In response, the assistant dean of KEM Hospital, through government pleader P. P. Kakade, assured the court that corrective actions are forthcoming. The court has instructed BMC officials to inspect the site, propose remedial steps, and file an affidavit detailing the measures taken. Additionally, the state government has been directed to submit a detailed plan on future preventive measures by the next hearing on June 16.

This incident highlights broader concerns about infrastructure and preparedness in Mumbai’s civic-run hospitals, especially with the monsoon season approaching. The court’s directive aims to ensure that such disruptions to essential healthcare services do not recur.

sources