In the melee of hospitals in Pune city, will be a hospital that cherishes the dream of offering free medical aid and treatment to the poor.

In late 2001, Pune will boast of a new hospital–Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital and Research Center. The hospital is being built in memory of Master Deenanath Mangeshkar, a well known actor and singer on Marathi stage under the auspices of the non governmental organization, Lata Mangeshkar Medical Foundation. The Lata Mangeshkar Medical Foundation was formed in late nineties with the intention of starting a hospital in Pune.

The hospital conceived on a six–acre plot near Mhatre Bridge in Erandwana, Pune, construction of Phase–I is in full progress. “Phase–I will have a general hospital with specialties on preliminary level and a research center for clinical research”, informs Dr. Dhananjay Kelkar, Chairman–Hospital Committee, Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital and Research Center. Spread over an area of 2,73,000 sq. ft., Phase–I of the hospital will be a ten storey structure with an infrastructure of 450–bed, 12 operation theatres, 65–bed Intensive Care Unit, 12–bed Neo–natal Care Unit, multi–specialty onus on treatment and nursing college.

Apart from state–of–art technology and well qualified doctors and staff, provision for allopathy, ayurvedic, homeopathy and yoga treatments under one roof is also being allocated. The infrastructure for the hospital will also include patient friendly features like a canteen, laundry, a relative’s lodge, parking space, etcetera. Phase–I of the hospital is expected to be commissioned in August 2001 and will be inaugurated in October the same year.

The hospital aims at offering sophisticated medical treatment at rational price. In line with their objective of making comprehensive medical treatment available to the poor, a 30–bed space has been kept aside for the poor while advance payment would be waived in case of the needy. 700–bed Phase–II will offer super–specialties, continuing medical education and facilities like hostel accommodation. Phase–II is expected to be commissioned by early 2003.

The Lata Mangeshkar Medical Foundation has roped in Pune–based NGO, Jnana Prabodhini Medical Trust for the project. The medical trust was set up by ex–students of Sanjeevan Hospital who got together to pull out their alma–mater which was then on the verge of closing down.

Apart from managing the 150–bed Sanjeevan hospital and running educational facilities in the city and ophthalmology clinics in rural areas, the doctors also manage Enron’s Niramay hospital at Dhabol and run an Ayurvedic Research Center.

“Keeping this background in mind Lata Mangeshkar Medical Foundation decided that Jnana Prabodhini Medical Trust is a suitable partner”, informs Jayant Agate, Coordinator–Administration, Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital and Research Center.

Construction of Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital and Research Center is expected to cost a whopping Rs.42 crores. “The fund raising activity is a continuous process. We have a vision and we would like to fulfill it ”, says Mr. Agate. Since the hospital is being built and will be managed by non governmental organizations, adequate funds are definitely going to be the crunch issue. “It all depends upon how things shape up. At this stage we will welcome donations from corporates, individuals as well as non resident Indians and hope to break even”, he adds.

A Fund Raising Gala Nite
On December 16, 2000, the Lata Mangeshkar Medical Foundation has organized a fund raising evening “Gata Rahe Mera Dil” in aid of the hospital, at the S.P. College grounds in Pune. The theme “Gata Rahe Mera Dil” was chosen by Nightingale of India, Lata Mangeshkar herself, informs Mr. Agate. She will perform after a long gap of 13 years in the city. On stage, she will be accompanied by Usha Mangeshkar and Udit Narayan. Laser lights and 45,000–watt audio will make the evening a memorable one. An estimated 40,000 people are expected to hear her live performance. Giant video screens installed at the grounds will give a view of the stage from all angles. Many bollywood stars are also expected to be present at the function. Adequate security provided by commandos, numbered seating arrangement, food stalls and dignified toilet facilities in the vicinity and proper parking space have been earmarked for the convenience of patrons.

Donation passes for the gala nite are available in denominations of Rs.25,000, Rs.10,000, Rs.5000, Rs.2500, Rs.1000, Rs.500 and Rs.200 (special rate for students). Funds raised from this show will be utilized for the construction of the hospital.

For more information, passes/donations, contact:
Lata Mangeshkar Medical Foundation at
Tel No: +91 020 542 3032
Fax: +91 020 542 0104.