India’s First Ronald McDonald House Opens in Mumbai to Support Families of Hospitalized Children

A historic milestone in family-centered healthcare has been achieved with the opening of India’s first Ronald McDonald House (RMH) in Mumbai. The facility provides a free “home away from home” for families whose children are receiving long-term medical treatment, easing the emotional and financial strain during challenging times.

A Major Step in Family-Centered Healthcare Support

For five decades, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) has supported millions of families across 62 countries with safe accommodation near hospitals. Now, the initiative has officially arrived in India, marking a new chapter in the country’s healthcare support system.

The Mumbai house, inaugurated by Advocate Ashish Shelar, Minister for Information Technology, Government of Maharashtra, is located in Mahim (West), strategically close to leading pediatric hospitals. Other dignitaries present at the inauguration included Bhushan Gagrani, Municipal Commissioner, BMC, Dr. Kailash Sharma of Tata Memorial Hospital, and Smita Jatia, Chairwoman of Ronald McDonald House India.

Inside the Mumbai Ronald McDonald House

The 3,200 sq. ft. facility features 16 fully furnished private rooms, capable of supporting over 500 families annually. Families will receive complimentary accommodation, nutritious meals, hospital transport, counseling, and 24/7 assistance from trained staff.

Shared spaces like a communal kitchen, children’s play area, and family lounges are designed to promote connection, emotional comfort, and community among families going through similar experiences.

“This is a historic moment for us. When a child is ill, the entire family needs support. This House embodies our belief that families heal better together,” said Smita Jatia, Chairwoman, Ronald McDonald House India.

Addressing a Crucial Need for Families in Medical Crises

Many families traveling from rural parts of Maharashtra and neighboring states face severe challenges finding safe and affordable accommodation in Mumbai during a child’s treatment. The Ronald McDonald House Mumbai aims to address this gap with compassion and dignity.

Advocate Ashish Shelar highlighted the importance of such initiatives:

“Many parents are forced to stay on hospital footpaths due to unaffordable lodging. This House fulfills that demand with genuine kindness. It is a role model for humanity.”

Parents shared how the new facility relieves their stress:

“We no longer have to sleep outside hospitals or worry about food. Now we can focus on our child’s recovery.”

Part of a Larger Mission

Since 2016, Ronald McDonald House India has supported families through Family Rooms at BJ Wadia Hospital (Mumbai) and Government Cancer Hospital (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar). The new Mumbai house strengthens this footprint, with a 2030 vision to build 3 Family Rooms and 5 Houses across 5 cities in India.

Global studies have shown that children recover faster when families are close and emotionally supported — a principle at the heart of RMHC’s mission.