Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Pune District Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar has urged citizens to remain calm and cooperate with the administration as protests continue over the death of a pregnant woman, allegedly due to treatment denial at Dinanath Mangeshkar Hospital. “The government has taken serious note of the unfortunate incident of the death of Mrs. Tanisha Bhise due to lack of urgent treatment at Dinanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune. The Health Department has ordered a thorough investigation into the matter through a committee comprising expert doctors. I myself have instructed the District Magistrate to complete this investigation urgently, transparently and impartially. Although the hospital administration has expressed its views, appropriate action will be taken after considering all the relevant factors. The government has understood the sentiments of the individuals, institutions and organizations protesting in this matter and strict action will be taken as per the law against those found guilty as per the findings of the investigation. All citizens are requested to exercise restraint and cooperate with the administration,” Ajit Pawar wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
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Protests outside the hospital have intensified as opposition parties and various organizations demanding strict action against the hospital authorities. Demonstrators have called for the suspension of officials and legal action against those responsible.
What Happened?
Tanisha Bhise was rushed to Dinanath Mangeshkar Hospital after experiencing labor pains. Her family alleges that the hospital demanded ₹10 lakh before beginning treatment. The total estimated cost was reportedly ₹20 lakh.
Her family initially offered ₹3 lakh upfront and assured the hospital they would arrange the rest. Despite this, hospital staff allegedly refused to admit her and suggested transferring her to Sassoon Hospital if they could not afford the charges.
On March 29, Tanisha Bhise died due to lack of treatment.
Her family claims the delay cost her life. Bhise was the wife of Sushant Bhise, personal assistant to BJP MLC Amit Gorakhe.
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Political Reactions
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare criticised the hospital, saying Tanisha Bhise might have survived if the administration had shown humanitarian consideration. BJP MLC Chitra Wagh called for strict action, including revoking the licenses of doctors or hospitals found guilty. “If this is how they treat someone close to a legislator, one can only imagine what ordinary patients go through,” she said.
NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule demanded a law ensuring no mother is denied treatment during pregnancy. “The government must take this matter seriously and conduct a thorough investigation. Hospitals should not deny urgent medical care to patients over financial issues,” she said.
Other political leaders, including NCP (SP) MP Amol Kolhe and state party president Jayant Patil, also called for action against the hospital.