Denied Admission over Rs 10 lakh demand, Pregnant woman dies
Pune: In a tragic turn of events, 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 advance of Rs 10 lakh. In response to the incident, the state health department has formed a five-member panel to investigate the matter.
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.
According to the news reports, 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 delivery.
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This incident has sparked intense debate, with many accusing the hospital of prioritizing financial gain over human life. The husband, who serves as a private secretary to Maharashtra Legislative Council member Amit Gorkhe, accused the hospital of prioritizing money over the life of his wife. "Had they admitted her in time, she would have survived," he said.
Speaking to India Today, he said, "I contacted the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) from the health ministry to intervene, but the hospital still refused admission. In the time lost searching for another facility, we lost her." Gorkhe has vowed to raise the issue in the upcoming legislative session.
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According to Pune Mirror, in response to the growing allegations, the hospital administration claimed that the accusations were defamatory. However, this defense was quickly debunked when a receipt emerged showing that the hospital had indeed demanded a ₹10 lakh deposit from the woman’s relatives. This revelation has further fueled public anger and calls for accountability in the healthcare system.
As the controversy continues to unfold, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Sambhaji Kadam, confirmed that statements from the family have been recorded, and the police are awaiting the findings of the government's medical committee. Further actions will be taken based on the investigation's outcome.
As per a media report in the TOI, Abitar said, "We have asked the deputy director of the health department 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."
