Inquiry launched over alleged negligence in death of 18-year-old at Aundh District Hospital

Pune: Following allegations of medical negligence by the family of an 18-year-old patient, the health department has set up a three-member inquiry committee to investigate the circumstances of his death at Aundh District Hospital, officials said. 

According to a complaint filed on Monday, March 9, to Pune district civil surgeon Dr. Nagnath Yempalle, the deceased, a resident of Sangvi, was suffering from pneumonia and was brought to the hospital at around 11.30 pm on March 6 with severe breathing difficulty. His oxygen saturation levels were reportedly between 60 and 70, indicating a critical condition.

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In their complaint, the relatives further stated that hospital staff initially informed them that ICU admission was not required. The patient was later taken for an X-ray, but some staff members refused to assist them, claiming it was not their responsibility. 

According to the family, the patient’s condition remained relatively stable until around 2:30 a.m., when he reportedly began bleeding from the nose. The family stated that the oxygen mask filled with blood, and they repeatedly alerted the doctor on duty, requesting immediate medical attention.

A resident doctor later examined the patient and increased oxygen support, but the bleeding allegedly continued. Despite repeated requests and signs of an unstable pulse, the patient was reportedly shifted to the ICU only at around 6 a.m., where preparations were made to place him on a ventilator.

Speaking to Hindustan Times, the sister of the deceased said that the patient’s condition further worsened, and at around 9 am, the family informed the doctor that his heartbeat had stopped. Hospital staff subsequently conducted two ECG tests, which reportedly showed a flat line, after which the patient was declared dead. “The night shift staff and doctors are responsible for the death of my brother, and action should be taken against them. Such emergency patients should either be given ICU beds immediately or referred to another hospital,” said the deceased’s sister.

Following the allegations, the health department formed a three-member investigation panel to examine the circumstances surrounding the death. The committee is headed by Amit Lavekar and includes Keshav Butte and Amol Chandgude.

Officials stated that the panel has been asked to conduct a detailed inquiry and submit its findings at the earliest.

Dr Bhagwan Pawar, deputy director of health services for the Pune region, visited the hospital on Monday. “I discussed the case with the civil surgeon and the concerned hospital staff. The committee has been directed to complete the investigation and submit its report at the earliest. Further action will be taken based on the findings of the probe,” he said, reports Hindustan Times.

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