Pregnant Woman's Death: Pune Police seek expert medical opinion

Pune: Pune Police have intensified their investigation into the tragic death of a 37-year-old pregnant woman, who was allegedly denied emergency medical treatment at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital. As part of their inquiry, the police are seeking expert medical opinion from Sassoon General Hospital (SGH) and B.J. Medical College (BJMC).

The woman was rushed to DMH on March 28 with severe pregnancy-related complications. However, her family claims the hospital demanded a Rs 10 lakh advance for treatment, allegedly refusing admission when they could only arrange Rs 2.5 lakh immediately. As her condition deteriorated, the family transferred her to another hospital, where she tragically passed away shortly after giving birth to twin daughters. This heart-wrenching incident has drawn attention to serious allegations of medical negligence and breach of legal obligations by a charitable hospital.

Medical Dialogues had previously reported that in the wake of a tragic incident involving the death of a young mother who was allegedly denied admission at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune on March 28 due to the non-payment of a Rs 10 lakh advance deposit, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) issued a stern directive to all private hospitals, nursing homes and medical establishments. This directive mandates that no advance payment be required from patients seeking emergency medical treatment within the city's jurisdiction.

Also Read: Not to demand advance payment for emergency treatment: PMC tells Hospitals

In parallel, a separate investigation is being conducted by another committee appointed by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Additionally, reports from the Maternal Death Audit Committee of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the committee led by the Joint Charity Commissioner are expected to be presented during the state Cabinet meeting scheduled for Tuesday evening or Wednesday.

Following a review of the reports and their findings, the state government is set to initiate further action against the DMH. Dr. Yallapa Jadhav, Medical Superintendent of SGH, confirmed that the hospital has received a formal investigation request from the Pune Police.

Also Read: Denied Admission over Rs 10 lakh demand, Pregnant woman dies

According to Hindustan Times, “A four-member experts’ committee panel will be set up to investigate the case. The panel will include the Medical Superintendent of SGH and heads of departments-- Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Forensic Medicine. If required, other experts will be involved in the panel,” Jadhav said.

The expert committee is expected to analyze the woman’s complete medical records, including her treatment history and the official cause of death, to determine whether medical negligence was a contributing factor.

Speaking to Hindustan Times, a senior police officer stated, “We are taking this matter seriously. The expert opinion will help us understand whether there was any lapse in medical care that contributed to the unfortunate demise of the patient.”