Rajan Babu TB Centre, Maharishi Valmiki Infectious Disease Hospital to demerge: MCD

New Delhi: The Delhi Municipal Corporation (DMC) has decided to separate the management of Maharishi Valmiki Infectious Disease (MVID) Hospital and the Rajan Babu Institute of Pulmonary Medicine and Tuberculosis (RBIPMT) over difficulties in the delivery of healthcare services.  

A statement was released by the MCD notifying the same and the decision was approved by Mayor Shelly Oberoi on the night of September 12. 

Also Read:Eli Lilly Gets CDSCO Panel Nod To Study Rheumatoid Drug LY3871801

The mayor said, "The well-being of our citizens is our top priority, and this separation will enable us to provide more focused and efficient healthcare services to the people of Delhi. We believe that both RBIPMT and MVID hospitals will thrive independently and continue to serve as beacons of healthcare excellence in our city." 

The MCD's current move, as per a media report in the Indian Express, is aimed at easing out the functioning of the hospitals so they could continue to deliver seamless healthcare services. In its statement, the MCD said, "The decision to separate it aims to make it future-ready to effectively tackle emerging infectious diseases." It added, "This demerger intends to enhance TB research initiatives at the institution." 

After the separation, the Rajan Babu Hospital will get 846 employees and the MVID hospital will get 215 employees. Around 27 new positions would be created to improve the healthcare delivery. The officials are also planning to set up an advanced laboratory to improve diagnostic capabilities. An official said that both the hospitals would continue to cooperate with each other and would have their own labs. 

The Rajan Babu Institute of Pulmonary Medicine and Tuberculosis (RBIPMT) and the Maharishi Valmiki Infectious Diseases Hospital (MVIDH) are located adjacent to each other in the Kingsway Camp area and are among the oldest healthcare institutions in the city. 

Speaking to PTI, an official said. "The two medical facilities were merged in 2017, and since then issues were cropping up in their management. So, it was decided to de-merge the two institutions, as MVIDH was getting neglected." The officials said that after separating the management of the two hospitals, more focus can be laid on the development of MVIDH, as it is needed. 

Citing administrative issues, the official said, "The Maharishi Valmiki Infectious Diseases Hospital is the only infectious disease hospital in Delhi, and it needs to be properly managed." 

RBIPMT was originally started as a TB hospital in 1935 to mark the silver jubilee of King George V who had held a royal durbar in its vicinity in December 1911. MVID Hospital is Delhi’s only hospital dealing with infectious diseases, whereas Rajan Babu Hospital is a known Center of Excellence in Tuberculosis Management. 

Also Read:FORDA Urges Doctors to Send Suggestions on NMC Draft PGMER 2023