Pune News: Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital Under Scrutiny After Pregnant Woman’s Death; Health Department Probes Alleged Violation of Emergency Protocols
Pune News: Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital Under Scrutiny After Pregnant Woman’s Death; Health Department Probes Alleged Violation of Emergency Protocols
A state health department inquiry committee has launched a detailed investigation into Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital following allegations that the hospital denied treatment to a pregnant woman, Ishwari (Tanisha) Bhise, due to the inability to pay a Rs 10 lakh deposit. The incident has sparked outrage, with questions being raised about whether the hospital violated emergency care norms.
According to initial claims, Ishwari Bhise, who was in an emergency condition, was refused admission because her family could not immediately pay the demanded advance amount. Tragically, she passed away shortly after. The hospital has admitted to requesting the deposit but has stated that they followed proper procedures.
In response to the incident, Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar appointed a special inquiry committee headed by Deputy Director of Health, Dr. Radhakishan Pawar. The committee visited Dinanath Mangeshkar Hospital, along with Surya Hospital and Manipal Hospital, on Friday to collect information and review protocols.
Under the Nursing Homes Act, hospitals are prohibited from demanding deposits in emergency cases before providing treatment. The committee is now examining whether the situation qualified as an emergency and whether the hospital’s demand constituted a breach of this regulation.
On Saturday, the panel conducted interviews with specialists in obstetrics, gynecology, cardiology, and general medicine, based on the medical reports submitted. A meeting with the deceased’s family is scheduled for Sunday. A final report is expected to be submitted to the state government within two days.
Sources also revealed that the hospital claimed to have contacted the patient’s husband via phone, a detail the committee is verifying. The panel has requested supporting evidence from the hospital.
Meanwhile, the Maternal Mortality Committee of the health department held a review meeting on Saturday to discuss the exact cause of the death. Findings from this session are expected to be incorporated into the final report.
