Pune l 5.5 Hours Of Neglect Without Treatment, Delay At Deenanath Hospital Caused Bhise’s Death: Rupali Chakankar

Rupali Chakankar, Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Women’s Commission, has strongly condemned the actions of the staff at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, alleging gross medical negligence and illegal monetary demands that led to the death of a pregnant woman, Eshwari Bhise, on Monday. Chakankar also stated that the deceased woman did not receive the necessary treatment for 5.5 hours

Chakankar, speaking to the media, said, “We condemn the clarity letter presented by the hospital committee report, which was made by the hospital staff and presented to the media to save themselves. It’s clearly seen in the CCTV camera that the patient went to the hospital on March 28 at 9:01 am. The initial staff notified the dedicated staff about the pregnancy case. The medical staff prepared to handle the case; however, before taking her to the operation theatre, the staff demanded ₹10 lakh from family members to proceed with the operation. Acting on the demand, ₹3 lakh was submitted, but relatives requested some time to deposit the remaining amount. It’s clearly seen that the patient arrived at the hospital at 9:01 am, and until 2:30 pm, she did not receive any pre-medical treatment and was lying in the hospital.”

‘Despite seeing the bleeding, doctors ignored her’

She added, “At that time, despite seeing the bleeding, doctors ignored her treatment. They suggested the family members give her any medicine they had to prevent further bleeding, as bleeding is not good. No treatment was given to the patient during the said 5.5 hours (9:00 am to 2:30 pm). Considering the seriousness of the situation, Bhise’s relatives went to Sassoon Hospital, but within 15 minutes, they returned without treatment.”

Later, she was admitted to Surya Hospital, where she delivered twins. However, her condition worsened, and she was referred to Manipal Hospital, where she lost her life.

“Despite knowing all the medical reports and conditions, Deenanath Hospital staff showed negligence and demanded money before providing medical treatment, leading to mental stress for the Bhise family,” said Chakankar.

Addressing a joint press conference at the Pune Police Commissionerate, she said, “Two more reports are awaiting—one is the maternal death investigation report, and the other is a report by the Charity Commissioner’s office. Once these reports are submitted, a decision will be taken regarding action against the hospital.”

She added, “Based on the evidence and investigation, it is clear that the staff of Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital wasted 5.5 hours without providing medical treatment, leading to excessive blood loss and death. If initial medical attention had been given, she might have been alive today,” Chakankar stated.

She concluded, “Registering the FIR at the hospital is the matter of police work. Once we receive the final report, the police will take appropriate action.”