India, Oct. 23 -- A proposal to extend the contract of a medical store at KEM Hospital in Parel for another five years without inviting fresh tenders has come under scrutiny in the BMC. Opposition corporators have alleged that the arrangement increases the financial burden on poor patients due to poor discounts on medicines.

The proposal tabled at the Improvements committee on Thursday seeks to renew the contract of Parel Chemist from August 20, 2026, to August 19, 2031. Two corporators, Congress leader Ashraf Azmi and Meher Mohsin Haider have urged the BMC to invite fresh bids.

In a letter to the civic administration, Azmi alleged that patients pay more due to inadequate discounts on medicines. Both corporators allege that the discount...