Mumbai: Guardian minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, during the centenary celebrations of King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital on Thursday, suggested removing the “King Edward” part from the hospital’s name. Reacting to the suggestion, a senior doctor from the hospital said, “KEM as a name has recognition across the world. Our alumni everywhere are associated with it; it cannot be changed like this at this point. We are hoping this does not happen.” Another doctor said, “Our hospital’s name is its identity.” The event at Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas (GS) Medical College and King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital was attended by newly elected Shiv Sena (UBT) corporators, dean Dr Sangeeta Ravat, and deputy municipal commissioner (health) Sharad Ughade. After Lodha left, they were joined by Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs Arvind Sawant and Anil Desai.In an interaction with mediapersons, Sawant said, “Changing names does not change how the institution functions. He could have spoken about the shortage of medicines, the need for machines and equipment, or the overall development of the hospital. Their business is only this and that of religion; it is bound to take the country down.”During the event, Lodha also called for finding the kin of Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas, after whom the medical college is named, and honouring them. The minister further said an AI-driven model of communication should be implemented by the hospital, in which information about various govt health schemes is made available.Dr Ravat said this year the hospital is looking forward to a new multi-storey building for patients. The idea was first floated last Jan, after which it took a few months to gain approvals. “Some of the details are still being decided; they will be finalised shortly,” she said.Lodha’s last visit to the hospital in Nov was contentious as well. TOI earlier reported he berated the administration and senior doctors for hours.
