It is painful watching the dilapidated condition of the Parsi Lying-In Hospital (PLIH), (pictured pg 8) and the ghostly silence surrounding a place which was once vocal with the cries of the newborn. How we wish that this property was serving some humanitarian cause. But that did not happen. Who is to blame?
At a time when we are passing through a most unprecedented crisis let us not ruminate on the past but instead put forward some concrete suggestions for its revival. Former Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) chairman Dinshaw Mehta wants to turn it into a Covid quarantine center (Parsi Junction, April 18, 2021) but that is not feasible considering the state in which the property is today. Besides, we want to preserve a permanent landmark for the community.
In 2010, members of the managing committee (MC), on their own, made a deal with Krimson Health Ventures Private Limited for developing the defunct asset. The owners of the PLIH are the BPP trustees, while the MC looks after the administration. With the best interest of the PLIH in mind, the MC was planning its revival. Krimson, who were interested in setting up a world class healthcare center for orthopedics and neurosurgery dealing with diseases of spine and joints, found the place suitable. Their proposal seemed largely beneficial to the trust.
However, Mehta approached the Supreme Court to get the deal cancelled. Frustrated with constant harassment from litigants, the buyers backed out and we lost the deal. From 2010 till now there would have been Rs 10 crores in our kitty, and many community members would have been treated free.
Today Mehta says: "Nothing would please me more than to see the PLIH revived.” If he really means what he says and works sincerely for the good cause, it is a welcome change. This is an opportunity for Mehta to win back the trust of the community by reviving our precious property which is lying in shambles. By bringing it back to its pristine glory he will get the blessings of senior citizens.
There is an urgent and specific need for a senior citizens’ home in Bombay, especially as children who are settled abroad and are concerned about the safety of their elders staying alone require this. The Pallonji Shapoorji Home for Senior Citizens and the F. S. Parukh Dharamshalla are a blessing, but the PLIH can also fulfill the needs of those who have the means but lack care and company during the twilight years of their lives.
Let us forget the past and work together to revive the PLIH which has been defunct for more than three decades.
PIROJA HOMI JOKHI
piroja.jokhi@yahoo.com