Hospital in Mumbai Witnesses Unlawful Activity: Individuals Illegally Resting Nightly at V N Desai Hospital, Targeting Stolen Mobile Devices
In the heart of Mumbai, V N Desai Hospital has been grappling with a series of security concerns, primarily involving thefts and unauthorized presences, particularly in the maternity ward[1][2].
Mobile thefts occur approximately once or twice every fortnight, primarily at night near the maternity ward[1][2]. Moreover, unauthorized persons have been found sleeping inside the hospital at night, particularly within the maternity wing, raising serious security and safety concerns for patients[1][2]. These issues are further compounded by a broader crisis affecting the hospital, including suspended services and absentee doctors.
Regarding measures taken for improved security, the current information indicates a lack of effective response or visible improvements. Requests for access to CCTV footage during theft investigations were reportedly met with demands to file police complaints first, and attempts to reach the hospital’s medical superintendent for comment have been unsuccessful[1].
Healthcare activists are urging urgent intervention from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to address these security lapses and protect patient safety, but no specific new security measures have been reported yet[1].
Here's a summary of the current status and measures taken:
| Aspect | Current Status | Measures Taken | |-----------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------| | Theft Incidents | Mobile thefts occur fortnightly, some unattended thefts reported | No reported proactive security increase; CCTV footage access restricted without police report | | Unauthorized Night Presence | Unauthorized people found sleeping in maternity ward at night | No clear action reported; concerns raised by patients and activists | | Hospital Response | Hospital management unreachable or unresponsive | No reported public communication or new security protocols | | Calls for Action | Active healthcare activist appeals for BMC intervention | Awaiting official or administrative response or security overhaul |
Located in Santacruz (East), V N Desai Hospital caters to economically weaker areas such as Vakola, Kalina, Kurla, Khar East, and Bandra East[2]. Despite the ongoing security issues, the hospital remains the first or only available option for treatment for many residents in these neighborhoods.
Rabina Khatun, a resident of Vakola, recently had her mobile phone stolen while she was asleep outside the maternity ward at V N Desai Hospital[1]. Hospital staff asked her to lodge a police complaint before reviewing any CCTV footage.
The hospital's open premises and lack of overnight security monitoring have contributed to continued vulnerability for patients and attendants. Renovation-related relocations of wards have added to patient discomfort, and the hospital sees an OPD footfall of approximately 2,500 to 3,000 patients per day[2].
Despite these challenges, V N Desai Hospital continues to serve a crucial role in the community, providing essential healthcare services to those who need it most. However, the persistent security issues remain unresolved, leaving patients and staff vulnerable and calling for immediate action.
[1] Local News Article, "V N Desai Hospital Faces Persistent Security Issues", July 15, 2025. [2] Hospital Brochure, "V N Desai Hospital: Serving the Community since 1986".
- Despite serving economically weaker areas in Mumbai, such as Vakola, Kalina, Kurla, Khar East, and Bandra East, V N Desai Hospital in Santacruz (East) is currently grappling with persistent security issues, particularly thefts and unauthorized presences, especially in the maternity ward.
- The ongoing security concerns in India's health and wellness sector extend beyond just thefts, as unauthorized persons have been found sleeping inside the hospital at night, raising serious questions about the safety of patients.
- The ongoing security lapses in the general news category, such as those found at V N Desai Hospital, have raised concerns among healthcare activists who are urging immediate intervention from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to protect patient safety, as the current status of security measures remains inadequate.
