Archive · 10 Sep 2026
BMC AI Brain Disease Project Sent Back Over Tender Concerns
The BMC wanted to test a computer system that uses artificial intelligence to help doctors study brain diseases.
The project would have cost ₹4.99 crore.
It was planned for 150 patients with epilepsy and brain tumours at KEM Hospital.
The test was supposed to last 12 months.
Some committee members questioned why one Bengaluru company was chosen.
They wanted other technology companies to have a fair chance through a tender.
They also asked whether the system would help only with diagnosis or with treatment too.
The proposal was sent back so officials could review these concerns.
The BMC proposal sought ₹4.99 crore for an AI-based neurological disease diagnosis system at KEM Hospital.
The system was intended for a 12-month pilot involving 150 patients with epilepsy and brain tumours.
Standing Committee members questioned the selection of Bengaluru-based BrainSightAI Technology Pvt Ltd without a broader tender process.
Members also sought clarity on long-term costs, treatment support and what would happen after the pilot ended.
The BMC administration withdrew the proposal for reconsideration rather than putting it to a vote.
- Who
- The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation administration, KEM Hospital, BrainSightAI Technology Pvt Ltd and members of the BMC Standing Committee were involved.
- What
- A ₹4.99 crore proposal for an AI- and neuroscience-based system to assist in diagnosing and analyzing neurological diseases was sent back for reconsideration.
- When
- The proposal was sent back on Wednesday during a Standing Committee meeting held on September 9.
- Where
- The proposed project would be implemented at KEM Hospital in Mumbai.
- Why
- Committee members questioned the tendering process, the selection of a Bengaluru-based company, the project’s long-term costs and its focus on diagnosis rather than treatment.
Project proponents
Project critics
AI pilot at KEM Hospital
Project proponents
The BMC administration proposed using an AI- and neuroscience-based system for 150 epilepsy and brain tumour patients over 12 months.
Project critics
Committee members did not reject the technology outright but sought greater clarity on its purpose, scope and long-term implications.
Company selection and tendering
Project proponents
The proposal named BrainSightAI Technology Pvt Ltd, a Bengaluru-based company and incubatee of the BMC’s SMILE Council, to implement the project.
Project critics
Members argued that other eligible technology firms should receive a fair opportunity through a transparent tendering process.
Long-term patient support
Project proponents
The proposal focused on diagnosis, analysis and monitoring changes in patients’ condition after surgery.
Project critics
Members questioned what would happen after the pilot, whether patients might later have to pay, and whether the civic body would provide treatment support as well as diagnosis.
- Proposed cost
- ₹4.99 crore
- Project location
- KEM Hospital, Mumbai
- Pilot duration
- 12 months
- Planned patients
- 150 patients with epilepsy and brain tumours
- Proposed company
- BrainSightAI Technology Pvt Ltd
- Project purpose
- AI-assisted diagnosis, analysis and monitoring of changes after surgery
- Decision
- Proposal withdrawn for reconsideration