Mumbai’s Largest TB Hospital to Submit Proposal to Central TB Division
Mumbai: Sewri TB Hospital, India’s largest dedicated tuberculosis (TB) facility, is aiming to attain Centre of Excellence (CoE) status from the Central TB Division. Hospital officials plan to submit a formal proposal soon, following discussions with senior health authorities.
Established in 1941, the hospital operates with a 1,000-bed capacity, including 240 beds for multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB) patients. With full occupancy year-round, it remains a key referral center for TB cases from BMC-run hospitals. The hospital sees 6,000–7,000 admissions annually, but data indicates that around 5,000 patients leave against medical advice each year, and 439 patients absconded between 2017 and 2021.
Upgrades and Challenges in Meeting CoE Criteria
“We have been upgrading our facilities for the past two years and will now apply for CoE status. Discussions with senior officials will take place before submitting the proposal,” said a hospital doctor.
While the hospital meets most of the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) guidelines, the lack of academic facilities remains a key challenge.
Current Centres of Excellence for TB in India
Currently, in Mumbai, Wadia Hospital holds CoE recognition for paediatric TB, while JJ Hospital is the only Centre of Excellence for drug-resistant TB in western India. Nationally, there are just four other CoEs—in Delhi, Agartala, Chennai, and Ahmedabad.
“The CoE status is granted to hospitals that can provide comprehensive TB care, including multispeciality treatment for coexisting conditions. Additionally, a CoE must actively train and support nearby hospitals and institutions. At present, it is uncertain whether Sewri TB Hospital has the required resources to qualify,” said a doctor from an existing CoE.
With its proposal in the pipeline, Sewri TB Hospital’s bid for Centre of Excellence status will depend on its ability to meet the infrastructure, academic, and multispeciality treatment requirements set by the Central TB Division.
