Let Us Take A Lesson From Our Past Experience

The deadline given to the P G Hospital (PGH) by Jal and Pervin Shroff ends on 31st March, yet there seems to be no breakthrough. It seems history will be repeated and like Parsi-Lying-In-hospital, PGH will become a liability incurring heavy losses with lesser occupancy. We missed the opportunity when the Krimsons cancelled the deal and are yet awaiting those illusive offers that BPP’s Ex-Chairman received for the PLIH. Today there would have been a world class health care centre of excellence in orthopedic and neurological diseases, generating steady income and serving the aging community.

Now another great opportunity is knocking the doors of our most prestigious Parsi General Hospital. The donors Jal and Pervin Shroff of Hong Kong have pledged to donate a magnanimous amount to rejuvenate the ailing institution and bring it at par with the best hospitals in the city. Again, hurdles are created by the so-called well-wishers of the community. Maybe they have some issues, but those can be sorted out with dialogue and discussion. This is a very rare chance which will not come again. Whereas on one side the Masina Hospital is on the path to regain its past glory and the management is leaving no stone unturned to make it one of the best healthcare centre in the city, it will be most unfortunate if PGH misses this golden opportunity. We do not have the ability, integrity, unity and dedication to manage the institution on our own. The management committee and the donors are the well-wishers of the institution. The Petit Parsi General Hospital is the ancestral property of the Petits, their gracious gift to the community. If there are any lapses in the agreement, we should be open to correction.

On all accounts the security of our assets remains paramount. Legal stalwarts like Fali and Rohinton Nariman, Soli Sorabji, Darius Khambata or others should be called upon to streamline the agreement.It is an earnest appeal to the community to remain united in this hour of crisis to save our very dear hospital from going into oblivion. We are informed that the proposed Shroff Medical Centre will be established on the Petit Hospital grounds, but it will remain a community asset. Medanta will only have operating, equipping and management rights and will be responsible and liable for day to day operations, management and quality care of the patients. They have no rights to the possession of the property. They will pay 12 crores of annuity and 1% of the gross billable revenue without any deduction, to PGH plus they will offer concessions to community patients. After a lease period of thirty years, it will be extended for another 15 years, and they will pay an annuity of 18 crores and 5% of gross billing.

After the lease period gets over, we have an option to renew or take over. Today, as we do not have the infrastructure, the patients are taken to other hospitals for CT scan, MRI and other investigations, which is not only cumbersome but also risky for the patients. As such the hospital is undergoing a loss of about 6 crores annually which may go on increasing. How long can we sustain in such conditions? The donors are offering magnanimous amount, to be utilized to rejuvenate our iconic institution. Unless it is fully functional it will not sustain. In case Medanta cannot manage to run the hospital the newly constructed building will be in possession of PGH. So, in any case, there will not be a loss to hospital trust. With funds at our disposal and more facilities available, more patients will take advantage of the hospital.

Those who wish well for the institution, should stop criticizing and come out with concrete suggestions. If at all the deal gets cancelled there is no hope for development of our prestigious institution. What is the status of PGH if it remains in the present condition? Slowly but steadily it will become defunct. So, let us stand united for this cause. When Shroffs are putting their money at stake, they are concerned, others have nothing to lose. As it is, the hospital is half vacant most of the time, It is important that there is maximum utility to the institution and that can happen only when we provide best services and facilities through efficient staff providing best healthcare to compete with other hospitals. Hope within the timeframe of March 31, 2019, the matter is sorted out, otherwise both the Shroffs and the Global Health Pvt. are likely to terminate their commitments. God forbid, if we miss this great opportunity, this great institution will not survive and perhaps be another example to brood over our foolishness. If we do not take a lesson from our past experience, nothing can save us.

Piroja Jokhi 
[piroja.jokhi@yahoo.com]

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A Suggestion To Reduce Stage-Congestion!

When we go for Navjotes or weddings, there is usually long queue to give the Peramnis. This causes a bit of congestion. Instead, I would like to suggest an idea – wouldn’t it be better if a big wooden box which was locked, was to be placed at the corner of stage entrance, of course guarded by the hosts and their families. Here all the guests could simply drop in the Peramnis and there would no longer be long queues needed to  wish them and when they are seated for dinner/meal, then the Bride and Bridegroom or the girl/boy (in case of Navjote) can go and meet everybody. This will also ensure that the hosts don’t get tired of standing for hours on the stage, and then later again going and greeting everyone during the meals.

Aspi Aibara 
[aspiace@hotmail.com]