Located in Mumbai, the new 16-room home offers free accommodation, meals, and emotional support for families with children undergoing medical treatment.
Mumbai, Maharashtra, October 7, 2025 — “No family should face their child’s medical journey alone.” Guided by this powerful belief, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) has, for five decades, created havens of hope for millions of families across 62 countries. Marking a historic milestone, India’s first Ronald McDonald House has now opened in Mumbai, providing a “home away from home” for families whose children are undergoing medical treatment.
The facility was inaugurated by Advocate Ashish Shelar, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Government of Maharashtra, in the presence of Mr. Bhushan Gagrani, Hon’ble Municipal Commissioner, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation; Dr. Kailash Sharma, Dean Projects (Academic), Tata Memorial Hospital; and Smita Jatia, Chairwoman, Ronald McDonald House India.
Strategically located in Mahim (West), near leading paediatric hospitals, the 3,200 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility features 16 fully furnished rooms and is expected to serve over 500 families annually. Families will receive complimentary accommodation, nutritious meals, hospital transport, counselling, and 24/7 staff support—ensuring they can focus solely on their child’s recovery. Shared amenities such as a communal kitchen, play areas, and recreation zones have been thoughtfully designed to foster connection, comfort, and emotional support during difficult times.
Speaking on the occasion, Smita Jatia, Chairwoman, Ronald McDonald House India, said,
> “This is truly a historic moment for us. Since we began our journey with our first Family Room at BJ Wadia Hospital in 2016, we have dreamed of opening a Ronald McDonald House in India. Today, that dream becomes a reality. When a child is ill, the entire family needs care and support—this House embodies that belief and provides a nurturing environment where families can heal together.”
Adv. Ashish Shelar, Hon’ble Minister for IT, Government of Maharashtra, added,
> “For years, I have seen families traveling from rural Maharashtra struggle to find affordable accommodation during treatment. Many end up living on pavements outside hospitals. The Ronald McDonald House fulfils this long-standing need with kindness and compassion. It truly lives up to its name—a house that radiates warmth and care.”
For families traveling long distances for their child’s treatment, this initiative offers more than shelter—it provides dignity, stability, and community. “We used to sleep outside hospitals with our belongings, worrying about food and safety,” shared one parent. “Now, we can finally focus on our child’s healing without worrying about where to stay.”
Globally, RMHC’s model of keeping families close during a child’s treatment has proven to ease financial burdens, reduce stress, and improve recovery outcomes.
The Mumbai House is an expansion of Ronald McDonald House India’s ongoing efforts, which began with Family Rooms at BJ Wadia Hospital in Mumbai and the Government Cancer Hospital in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. By 2030, the organization aims to establish three Family Rooms and five Houses across five Indian cities, transforming the medical care experience for thousands of families nationwide.
About Ronald McDonald House India:
Ronald McDonald House India is part of Ronald McDonald House Charities, a global non-profit operating across 62 countries. Its mission is to create, find, and support programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and their families. Through its Family Rooms and Houses, RMHC India provides families a safe, nurturing space to stay close to their children receiving medical treatment.
