Mumbai: MW Desai Hospital accused of denying treatment to injured woman

Mumbai: MW Desai Hospital in Malad has once again come under the scanner after a woman with a serious injury was allegedly denied emergency treatment and asked to go to a trauma care centre nearly 16 km away because no doctor was available at the hospital in the late afternoon.

According to the patient’s family, the woman suffered a deep cut wound while doing household work and was taken to MW Desai Hospital on Friday, around 4.30 to 5 pm. The injury had cut through the muscle, and she needed immediate medical attention.

A relative claimed that after waiting for about 15 minutes, the woman started feeling dizzy. When they approached the nursing staff and showed the injury, they informed them that no doctor was available at that time and that a doctor would only be available between 6 pm and 6.30 pm.

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The relative further alleged that the nurse later stated that the injury was severe and could not be treated at MW Desai Hospital, and advised them to take the patient to HBT Trauma Care Centre, Jogeshwari, located about 16 km away.

According to the family, there was no doctor present in the emergency ward of MW Desai Hospital, even around 6 pm. They also claimed that the patient was deliberately not registered, and no OPD slip, referral memo, or any official documentation was issued. Despite the severity of the wound, no first aid or basic treatment was provided, they alleged.

The woman was eventually taken to the trauma care centre, where she received treatment.

Healthcare activists and residents said that duty-bound to provide emergency care regardless of doctor availability, and that denial or delay in treatment violates established healthcare norms.

When contacted by Free Press Journal, MW Desai Hospital Superintendent Dr Arvind Ugale denied the allegations. He said, "I have clearly instructed all staff and doctors not to turn away any patient. There is no possibility of such an incident. However, I will check into the matter. The patient should have contacted the doctor at the hospital instead of only approaching the nurses."

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