The Public Health Department has received approval to grant a two-month extension to the current doctors and assistant professors at Cooper Hospital. Addressing the media on Thursday, Deputy Municipal Commissioner Sharad Ughade stated, "We have received approval for the extension. In the meantime, we have also been permitted to fill all vacant posts by hiring doctors and assistant professors on a contract basis, valid until March 30, 2027."

Adding to this, Dr Neelam Andrade, Director of Medical Education and Hospitals, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), said, "As per norms, at least 75 per cent of vacancies in hospitals should be filled. Of the 217 vacant posts, 120 will definitely be filled on contract."