Despite falling flat on its face in the state assembly elections, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) does not seem to have learnt any lessons. It is still vehemently promoting its brand of anti-outsider politics. But this time, it takes the cake. At a BMC standing committee meeting on Tuesday, MNS group leader Sandip Deshpande demanded that civic hospitals should stop providing free treatment to outsiders. Moreover, he said that for any outsider who undergoes treatment in civic hospitals, the cost should be recovered from the state s/he hails from.

Why should BMC take care of other patients who are not from Maharashtra, asked Deshpande, raising many eyebrows in the House.

There are around 16 civic hospitals in the city where patients from Mumbai and outside come for treatment. Many of these patients are from poorer sections of society, who go to civic hospitals to avail of treatment made available to them either free of cost or for a token amount.

Ex-deputy mayor and BJP corporator Dilip Patel, who was present at the meeting, strongly objected to Deshpande's demand, saying, "Every individual has a fundamental right to live anywhere in the country and undergo treatment at any civic or government hospital. Maharashtrians who stay in other states are also availing of benefits there."

Clarifying that his party would flatly oppose any such proposal, Patel said, "If any move comes up for implementation, BJP will oppose it and make sure that it is not supported. We need to rise from hatred politics."

According to a senior civic official, the BMC receives several complaints from poor patients being fleeced by private hospitals who advise them to take expensive unwanted tests. "The BMC administration has taken serious note of this and is planning to audit all private hospitals. The proposal will soon presented to the civic medical committee for approval."

Dr Shivraj Pataria, senior physician from Kandivali, said, "Most patients who visit civic or government hospitals are from economical weaker sections. They can't afford private hospitals. A doctor's profession is service to mankind, irrespective of which caste, creed or what state he/she comes from."

Gyanmurti Sharma, chairman, BMC law committee, said, "The constitution of India has clearly defined that any Indian citizen can live in any part of India as per their choice. He/she is entitled to all services or facilities provided by the Centre, state or local self government. Divide and rule policy won't work for long."