Nearly eight years after a devastating fire claimed at least six lives, Andheri ESIC Hospital has finally reopened its inpatient department (IPD) — but only partially, leaving patients and activists questioning whether the reopening is merely on paper.

50 beds

The hospital resumed IPD services last Friday with just 50 beds planned for use, against the 260-bed capacity it had before the fire. Of these, the 25-bed female ward has started admitting patients, while the 25-bed male ward is yet to become operational.