Will there be a repeat of the Parsi Lying-In Hospital (PLIH) matter in the case of The B. D. Petit Parsee General Hospital (PGH)? Since the last three decades the PLIH has been defunct and in a dilapidated condition. If the deal with Krimson Healthcare had materialized, we would by now have had a world class center of excellence in orthopedic and neurological diseases generating a steady income and serving the aging community and ailing humanity.
Years have passed and we are still waiting for that elusive better offer promised to us, but this prized community asset is in shambles today, not generating any income nor having any utility.
The B. D. Petit Parsee General Hospital: uncertain future
A great opportunity is knocking at the doors of the PGH. Out of love and compassion for the community, philanthropists Jal and Pervin Shroff of Hong Kong pledged to donate a humungous amount of US 22.5 million dollars to rejuvenate the ailing hospital and bring it on par with the best in the city. Yet some irresponsible critics have created hurdles in the project. Do these critics have the funds or any concrete plan to develop the Hospital? Do they have the ability, integrity, unity and dedication to manage the institution on their own?
The management committee and the donors are well-wishers of the PGH which is the ancestral property of the Petits, their gracious gift to the community. Who, more than Homa Petit, could be more concerned about the safety and development of the property?
If there were any lacunae in the agreement, we should have asked legal luminaries in the community to examine them and clear the hurdles to save the Hospital from going into oblivion.
At present, as the Hospital lacks proper infrastructure, patients are taken to other hospitals for CT scans, MRIs and other investigations which is not only cumbersome but also risky for the patients.
The proposed Shroff Medical Centre was to have been established on the PGH grounds, and would have remained a community asset. Medanta would have had only operating, equipping and management rights and been responsible and liable for day-to-day operations, management and quality care of the patients. They would have had no rights to or possession of the property. They would have paid Rs 12 crore annually and one percent of the gross billable revenue without any deduction to PGH as well as offered concessions to patients from the community. After a lease period of 30 years, there would have been an extension for another 15 years during which Medanta would have paid an annuity of Rs 18 crore and five percent of gross billing. After the lease period elapsed, PGH would have had the option of renewing the lease or taking over the hospital.
PIROJA HOMI JOKHI
piroja.jokhi@yahoo.com
Can we all get together and our hospital save?/ It’s a property for which most builders crave.
For the ill, it is a haven, comfy and restful./ Even the relatives are at peace and not stressful.
If the Shroffs show their true benevolence/ PGH can overcome their losses or balance.
If modern machinery, lab and radiology they gift;/ If good doctors, nurses and technicians there shift;
If aseptic techniques can be practiced well/ Rich and higher middle class patients will swell.
If we all unitedly this move support, with above seeds sown;/ our dear PGH can remain our very own.
May Ahura help us in this endeavor;/ And we stop fighting and improve our behavior.