Here's everything you need to know about Mumbai's iconic Lilavati Hospital. From its founding story to the family feud, alleged Rs. 1,200 crore fraud, and much more.
Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre is among India's most trustworthy and reputed hospitals. The iconic hospital, which was established more than four decades ago in 1978, is now one of the leading hospitals in the country. As of now, Lilavati Hospital has 323 beds, one of the largest intensive care units (ICUs), more than 300 consultants, a workforce of around 1,800 employees, and 12 operation theatres with some of the most advanced healthcare technology in the world.
In a single day, Lilavati Hospital attends around 1,500 Outpatients and 200 Inpatients, which speaks volumes about its exceptional functioning as a healthcare centre. The hospital's motto, "Sarvetra Sukhinah: Santu, Sarve Santu Niramaya", which means "Let all be blissful, Let all stay healthy", speaks a lot about the hospital. What's inspiring is that Lilavati Hospital started with just 10 beds and 22 doctors in 1997.
According to the official website of the Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Kirtilal Mehta established this hospital in 1997. Kirtilal Mehta and his wife, Lilavati Mehta, established this hospital to provide adequate healthcare services to the common man. In 1978, Kirtilal Mehta formed a public charitable trust called Lilavati Kirtilal Mehta Medical Trust (LKMMT). Kirtilal Mehta's son, Kishor Mehta, conceptualised the hospital project and played a key role in its design. After Kishor Mehta's demise, his wife, Charu Mehta, took command of this prestigious healthcare centre.
According to a 2024 report, Kirtilal Mehta's son, Vijay Mehta's son, Niket Mehta, accused his uncle and wife, Charu Mehta, of misinterpreting the Apex Court Orders. Niket has also locked horns with his cousins, Rajesh Mehta, Prashant Mehta, and Rajeev Mehta, who are still claiming to be trustees validated by the Supreme Court. The family feud dates back to 2006; as per a report in The Times Of India, several members of the Mehta family indulged in a legal battle over the possession of a Rs. 800 crore hospital. Back then, Vijay Mehta and Kishor Mehta fought over Lilavati Hospital.
According to a report in Business Standard, Lilavati Kirtilal Mehta Medical Trust has accused Lilavati Hospital of alleging financial embezzlement exceeding the mammoth mark of Rs 1,200 crore. The trust has accused Lilavati Hospital of fraudulent investments, illegal offshore transactions, and kickbacks. The fraud case has shaken the healthcare industry as the audit found illegal investments worth Rs. 11.52 crore in multiple renowned companies. The case is currently under the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) observation.
As per a report in Moneycontrol, some former employees of the Lilavati Kirtilal Mehta Medical Trust have claimed that someone has performed black magic on the hospital's premises. The report further stated that the trustees had found eight urns filled with human hair, rice, and bones. Former Mumbai Police Commissioner, Parambir Singh also discussed it and shared more details about the black magic performed in Prashant Mehta and his mother, Charu Mehta's office. Parambir said:
"Eight pots/urns (kalash) filled with human remains, rice, human hair, and other black magic material were found buried when the office floor was dug up."
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