Pune: A total of 192 cases of alleged medical negligence have been reported in Pune district over the past five years, according to official data from the district-level expert committee of Sassoon General Hospital (SGH) and BJ Medical College (BJMC). The committee, which investigates such cases under a 2010 Government Resolution, confirmed the presence of negligence in all 192 cases.
Year-wise Breakdown
- 2023: Highest number of cases, with 54 complaints
- 2024: 50 cases (46 from Pune; 4 from other districts: Satara, Ahmednagar, Sangli)
- 2025 (till April): 7 cases reported, 3 confirmed as negligence
Despite the increasing volume of complaints, 112 cases remain pending, underlining the slow pace of inquiries and the urgent need to streamline the investigation process.
Investigation Mechanism
The district-level expert committees are formed to evaluate allegations of medical negligence before FIR registration. Based on their findings, further legal or disciplinary actions are initiated.
Dr. Yallapa Jadhav, Medical Superintendent at SGH, stated:
“The committees are formed as per a state government GR issued in 2010. Action by police or other authorities is based on our reports.”
Since 2020, 87 such committees have been constituted in Pune district to probe various complaints.
Rising Trend in Medical Negligence Litigation
A 2024 study published by Dr DY Patil Vidyapeeth found a 400% rise in medical negligence litigation across India. States leading this surge include:
- Punjab: 24% of all cases
- West Bengal: 17%
- Maharashtra: 16%
- Tamil Nadu: 11%
Additionally, data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reveals that over 1000 criminal cases were filed against doctors between 2017 and 2022 for alleged negligence causing death.
This dramatic rise is attributed to:
- Increased public awareness of patient rights
- Legal empowerment under the Consumer Protection Act (CPA)
- Growing trend of seeking legal redress for perceived lapses in care
Concerns and Implications
Experts caution that while legal accountability is essential, the surge in litigation adds to the already complex challenges faced by healthcare professionals, potentially leading to:
- Defensive medical practices
- Increased burden on regulatory bodies
- Long delays in justice delivery
