Amid Controversy, Doctors Extend Support to Gynecologist Accused of Denying Treatment to Pregnant Woman
Medical Negligence
Pune: Amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the death of a pregnant woman who died after allegedly being denied treatment by a Gynecologist at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, the doctors have extended its support to the accused Gynecologist.
The Federation of Obstetric & Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) has also condemned the "misdirected and harsh action" that the Gynecologist Dr. Ghaisas had to face, the "one-sided and biased trial by media" and the damage to Dr. Ghaisas's family property.
Medical Dialogues had earlier reported about the controversy that erupted after a seven-month pregnant woman carrying twins died after allegedly being denied admission at the Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune due to non-payment of an advance of Rs 10 lakh. The 30-year-old woman was reportedly facing severe pregnancy-related complications when she was rushed to the hospital, but was turned away for treatment.
The patient was the wife of BJP MLC Amit Gorkhe's personal secretary. Allegedly, the gynaecologist who attended the patient had demanded the deposit before admitting her and starting the treatment. The woman's husband alleged that the hospital demanded a sum of Rs 10 lakh for treatment, even as he expressed his willingness to pay Rs 2.5 lakh upfront. He alleged that the hospital's refusal to admit her or provide immediate medical care caused significant delays. As her condition deteriorated, the situation became increasingly critical. Left with no choice, the family rushed her to another hospital, but tragically, she passed away shortly after giving birth to her twin daughters.
Also Read: Maharashtra Medical Council Issues Notice to Gynaecologist over Pregnant woman's death
The situation led to an outrage and consequently, the Gynecologist, Dr. Ghaisas stepped down from his position at the hospital, citing intense public anger, social media backlash, and threatening calls as reasons for his resignation. The controversy further escalated as members of the BJP's women's wing allegedly stormed into the clinic run by Dr. Ghaisas' mother in Kothrud and damaged property.
Recently, the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) issued a notice to the doctor and asked him to provide a detailed explanation of the events that took place on the day of the incident and has given him a deadline of four days to respond.
Amid this, FOGSI has now extended its support to Dr. Ghaisas. Issuing a statement, FOGSI mentioned that "Dr Sushrut Ghaisas is a member of good standing of the Pune Obstetrics and Gynecological Society, which is affiliated to the national body, the Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecological Societies of India (FOGSI)."
Condemning the action against Dr. Ghaisas, the association added, "FOGSI deeply condemns the misdirected and harsh action that he has faced in the wake of a maternal death on 31 March 2025 in which he was not directly involved. He has faced threats and professional consequences which are unnecessary and illogical. In addition to this, he faced a completely one-sided and biased trial by media. The family of Dr Ghaisas also faced damage to their property and stress of these unfolding events. FOGSI denounces these events in the strongest possible terms. FOGSI appreciates the efforts of its member body, the Pune Obstetrics and Gynecological Society for the support extended to Dr Ghaisas. FOGSI stands with all the other professional organizations who have expressed their support."
"Violence against doctors takes many forms. It extends beyond the physical and impacts healthcare providers in multiple ways. FOGSI opposes all forms of violence against healthcare providers and institutions," it further mentioned.
Meanwhile, taking cognizance of the deceased patient's husband's accusation against the hospital for allegedly prioritizing money over the life of his wife, the State Health Department has formed a five-member panel to investigate the matter.
The committee, constituted by the state health department, visited all three hospitals where the woman was taken by her family before and after delivery. After reviewing the circumstances surrounding her death, the committee concluded that Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital failed to fulfill its responsibility by not admitting the patient when she sought care.
