Ayurvedic doctor reinstated within 17 days at HBT Trauma Care Hospital amid dispute

Mumbai: Following a representation to the Deputy Mayor citing mental stress and financial hardship, an ayurvedic doctor has been reinstated within 17 days at the Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray (HBT) Trauma Care Municipal Hospital, Jogeshwari (East), as an “Honorary Assistant without remuneration” in the Ayurvedic Department— a department that did not exist earlier. 

According to reports, the doctor identified as Dr Nidhi Nilesh Patil had earlier been removed from the post of House Officer in the Neurosurgery Department, where the appointment was described as temporary due to a long-standing vacancy that remained unfilled despite repeated recruitment attempts. The post carried a sanctioned monthly gross salary of Rs 80,757. However, the doctor claims she received only Rs 9,000 per month, leaving a gap of over Rs 71,000. The appointment order reportedly included a clause stating that the stipend “may not be paid for the entire tenure due to administrative technicalities,” raising questions about financial accountability and oversight.  

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Documents indicate a swift bureaucratic response following the doctor’s appeal. She wrote to the Deputy Mayor on March 23. Within two days, approval was granted by the Additional Municipal Commissioner. The proposal moved through administrative channels by April 1, was formally signed on April 7, and acknowledged by the doctor on April 8.

The reinstatement order has also drawn attention as it reportedly does not include a clear indemnity clause or formal undertaking regarding responsibility in case of patient harm. While a Rs 500 stamp paper service bond is mentioned, it relates only to service conditions and not clinical accountability—an issue of concern given that the hospital handles critical polytrauma cases.

The doctor maintains that her posting was not irregular. “The department was approved earlier when the hospital infrastructure was established. I did not create anything outside the system,” she said, describing her role as a temporary administrative stopgap. “If a qualified neurosurgeon joins, I can be transferred immediately,” reports Mumbai Mirror.

A senior BMC official admitted there were internal reservations, saying that the decision was not without concerns, particularly in light of earlier issues, but it was taken to ensure continuity of patient care and should be viewed as a stopgap arrangement.

Another official involved in the process supported the move, citing a prolonged vacancy and shortage of candidates. It was also noted that the doctor holds a valid council registration and that the engagement was permitted to prevent disruption in services, with demand for Ayurvedic care reportedly rising within the system.

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