Notices on GT Hospital hostel rooms leave Grant Medical College students fearing eviction

Students of Grant Medical College, already coping with a heavy academic schedule, are now also facing uncertainty over their hostel accommodation. GT Hospital now functions separately from Grant Medical College and the Sir JJ Group of Hospitals. Its administration has put up notices on hostel rooms currently occupied by Grant Medical College students. Students who had made these rooms their home now fear eviction.

The situation has arisen while the new hostel building being constructed for JJ Hospital is still several years from completion. Dr Ajay Bhandarwar, former dean of Grant Medical College and the Sir JJ Group of Hospitals, said: "Given the pace and overall progress of the ongoing construction, it will take at least four to five years for students to get the new hostel rooms."

Students are now wondering where they will live if they are asked to vacate their current rooms. Dr Ashwini Pardhi, general secretary of the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD), said: "The hospital is in South Mumbai. We cannot even imagine living on rent here. We barely manage on our stipend and salary. Some of us have families who depend on this small income."

Dr Yash Nitin Patil, vice-president of JJ Hospital MARD and a final-year resident, said: "We understand GT Hospital's difficulties and know the challenges it faces. But there is already a severe shortage of accommodation for resident doctors. With so little space, it is difficult for them to make arrangements. The issue will have to be resolved keeping everyone's convenience and interest in mind. Earlier, when GT was under JJ Hospital, we had 60 rooms. After GT separated, our rooms came down to 41. Now notices have been put up on the doors of about 10 rooms."

For students who come from outside Mumbai, the hostel is a necessity and not merely a convenience. Staying close to the hospital lets them manage long study hours, clinical postings and emergency duty without the added strain of a long commute.

Dr Ravi Atmaram Chavan, the new dean of JJ Hospital, said: "I took charge on October 31. After that came the Diwali festival and the holidays. I will look into this matter at the earliest and try to find a solution as soon as possible. I understand this is an important issue that needs urgent attention."

Efforts were made to contact Dr Jitendra Deshmukh, dean of GT Hospital, but no response had been received by the time the report went to press. Dr Chavan took charge as dean of JJ Hospital on October 31.