Infant mortality is worrying: PM Modi at inauguration of HN Reliance Foundation Hospital

Mumbai, Oct 25: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital in South Mumbai.

"A very old hospital has got a new life today. In a way it is the new beginning for the hospital," said the Prime Minister while inaugurating the hospital.

Expressing his concern about the high infant mortality rate in the country the PM said, "The number of infants dying is worrying."

The hospital, in its 90th year, has been completely rebuilt by Reliance Foundation, into a modern 19-storey tower with two heritage wings. The foundation is headed by Nita Ambani.

Founded in 1925 as Mumbai's first general hospital, it was also frequented by Mahatma Gandhi.

The rebuilt hospital has collaborations with John Hopkins, MD Anderson Cancer Centre, Massachusetts General Hospital and the University of Southern California. It has all modern facilities.

The hospital will reserve a fifth of its capacity for the underprivileged and provide 10 percent beds for free to the needy and another 10 percent at subsidised rates.

A galaxy of film stars and business honchos attended the inauguration.