Students of Hinduhrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Medical College and Dr RN Cooper Municipal General Hospital in Vile Parle are shelling out thousands of rupees as rent every month as the hostel buildings remain incomplete and without occupancy certificate. Work on the boys’ hostel was completed, but it is yet to get a nod from the fire brigade while work is still underway for the girls’ hostel. Former health minister Dr Dipak Sawant has been following up on the matter and met with the civic chief and chief minister last week.

Work on both the hostels started four years ago. “The boys’ hostel building has 10 floors and the work is complete. However, the building is yet to get a fire NOC from the fire brigade. It also does not have permission to operate lifts. The authority has to arrange furniture and start mess service too,” Dr Sawant said, adding, “Work on both the buildings started four years ago, but some minor works are still remaining at the girls’ hostel.”