Pune News: Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital Faces Heat Over ₹27.38 Cr Tax Dues, Denial of Govt Health Scheme Access

Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital is under scrutiny for ₹27.38 crore property tax dues to PMC and for not offering treatment under the Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana. Public outrage grows amid recent controversy.

Pune’s Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital Under Scanner for Tax Default and Scheme Denial

The Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, a charitable multi-speciality facility in Pune, is facing mounting criticism after it came under the spotlight for alleged negligence in a recent patient death and for defaulting on ₹27.38 crore in property tax dues owed to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) since 2019. The hospital is also under fire for reportedly not providing services under the Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana, a state-run healthcare scheme meant for the economically weaker sections.

₹27.38 Crore in Property Tax Dues Since 2019

According to official data from PMC, the Lata Mangeshkar Medical Foundation, which manages the hospital, has failed to pay property taxes for the past six years. While charitable institutions may be eligible for certain tax concessions, the outstanding amount has reached ₹27,38,62,874. Civic officials state that multiple notices have been issued to the hospital since 2019, but no payments have been made.

In response, Shirish Yadkikar, PRO at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, claimed ignorance about the dues, a statement that has drawn skepticism, given the civic body’s sustained follow-ups.

Caught in a Legal Dispute

Pratibha Patil, Deputy Commissioner of Tax Collection and Taxation at PMC, confirmed that the case is currently under litigation in the High Court. “As per my knowledge, they are seeking tax concession on the grounds that they operate as a charitable trust,” she said.

The ongoing legal dispute has sparked wider concerns about the monitoring and accountability of institutions receiving tax concessions but potentially failing in their social responsibilities.

Alleged Scheme Denial Sparks Outrage

The controversy escalated further when patients revealed that the hospital does not honour the Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana, which provides free or subsidised treatment to the poor. In one instance, a patient was given a handwritten note by the hospital indicating that the scheme was not applicable at the facility.

This revelation has sparked criticism from health activists and citizens alike, questioning how a charitable hospital can deny services under a crucial government healthcare initiative.

Recent Controversy Over Patient’s Death

The hospital is already under public scrutiny following the death of Tanisha Bhise, who was allegedly denied admission due to her inability to pay a ₹10 lakh deposit. She was the wife of a BJP MLC’s personal assistant and passed away after giving birth to twins at another hospital. The incident has triggered widespread outrage and demands for action.

What’s Next?

With the matter now in the High Court, the PMC and judiciary are under pressure to act decisively. Questions are being raised about whether Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital will be held accountable for the tax default and whether it will be compelled to participate in government schemes aimed at aiding the underprivileged.

The case has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate about transparency and responsibility in the healthcare sector, especially among institutions that benefit from public trust and government concessions.