PMC Issues Notice To Manipal Hospital Over Delay In Releasing Deceased Patient’s Body
PMC Issues Notice To Manipal Hospital Over Delay In Releasing Deceased Patient’s Body
Pune, May 8, 2025: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued a notice to Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, following allegations that the hospital withheld the body of a deceased patient over pending medical dues. The incident has sparked fresh outrage over hospital conduct and patient rights in the city.
Dr. Nina Borade, PMC’s health officer, confirmed that a 24-hour explanation has been sought from the hospital. “Such actions, if true, violate healthcare ethics and cannot be tolerated,” she said.
The case involves 54-year-old Rambhau Jadhav, a farmer from rural Maharashtra, who was admitted on May 4 for an angioplasty. According to his relative, Ganesh Kharpude, the hospital quoted ₹2.9 lakh but allegedly did not proceed with the procedure, instead inserting a temporary pacemaker. Jadhav passed away on May 6 at 7:30 a.m.
Kharpude claimed the hospital presented a final bill of ₹3.3 lakh, later reduced to ₹1.75 lakh. Despite repeated pleas, he alleged that the hospital refused to release the body until at least part of the revised amount was paid. The body was eventually handed over around 4 p.m., following media intervention. “After your call, they released the body within 30 minutes,” Kharpude told this correspondent.
Manipal Hospital has denied the allegation of deliberately withholding the body. In a statement, the hospital said the patient was declared dead at 10:07 a.m. and the body was released after completing all formalities. The hospital extended condolences and reaffirmed its commitment to compassionate, patient-centric care.
The PMC has stated that further steps will depend on the hospital’s written explanation and findings from the ongoing inquiry. The incident follows a recent case in Pune where a woman died after being denied admission to a private hospital, raising concerns about private healthcare practices.
