Maharashtra Health Department Launches Inquiry After Woman Dies Post-Delivery
Pune, April 4: The Maharashtra government has ordered a formal inquiry after a pregnant woman, Tanisha Bhise, was allegedly denied admission by Pune’s Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital due to her family’s inability to pay an advance deposit of ₹10 lakh. The woman later died after delivering twin daughters at another hospital.Health Minister Prakash Abitar confirmed that the deputy director of the state health department will lead the investigation. "We have asked the deputy director to inquire into what exactly happened at the hospital. After we receive his report, we will take necessary action if the hospital is found to be in the wrong," he stated on Friday.
Political Uproar and Public Protests
The incident has triggered a wave of public outrage and political protests. Members of opposition parties, including the Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), gathered outside Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, expressing their anger by throwing coins at hospital staff.Local police have been deployed in significant numbers outside the hospital premises to ensure order and prevent any further escalation.
Victim’s Family Alleges Negligence
Tanisha Bhise was the wife of a personal assistant to BJP MLC Amit Gorkhe. The MLC alleged that the hospital refused admission despite an immediate offer of ₹3 lakh and even ignored a call from the Mantralaya (state secretariat).“The hospital's demand was ₹10 lakh upfront. Even after assurances and high-level intervention, they refused to admit her,” Gorkhe stated.
Hospital Denies Allegations
In response, Dr. Dhananjay Kelkar, Medical Director of Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, denied all allegations and claimed the woman's relatives provided "misleading information." The hospital has said it will compile a comprehensive report and submit it to the health department for review.The tragic incident has sparked a wider debate on the ethics of advance payment policies in critical care and maternal health services. The inquiry report is expected to determine accountability and could lead to stricter regulatory measures in private healthcare.
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