56-Year-Old Patient Succumbs While Being Shifted to Another Hospital; Congress Demands Action Against Staff
A 56-year-old woman allegedly died after being denied admission at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Memorial Hospital (CSMMH) in Kalwa, Thane, sparking fresh allegations of medical negligence and administrative lapses at the civic-run healthcare facility.
According to reports, the deceased was the wife of the president of the Kalwa Block Congress Committee. She was rushed to the Dharmaveer Anand Dighe Heartcare and Urocare Centre, located within the CSMMH premises, on Tuesday afternoon after experiencing severe chest pain.
The specialised centre, which functions under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, primarily handles cardiac and urology cases referred by the hospital.
Family Alleges Admission Refused Despite Bed Availability
Congress leaders alleged that hospital staff refused to admit the patient, citing a lack of available beds despite vacancies reportedly existing at the facility. They further claimed that doctors failed to provide immediate medical assistance and advised the family to return after two hours.
As the woman’s condition reportedly worsened, her relatives decided to shift her to another hospital for treatment. However, she died while being transported, according to allegations made by party leaders.
The incident triggered strong protests from Congress workers, who later reached the hospital and confronted the administration over the alleged denial of treatment.
Congress Seeks Criminal Action and Compensation
The Thane Congress president alleged that the family was later informed that two reserved beds were available at the facility, raising questions about why they were not allotted to the patient when she required urgent care.
Calling the incident a case of serious negligence and insensitivity toward patients, he demanded strict action against the doctors and administrative staff allegedly responsible. The party has sought the registration of a culpable homicide case against those involved and demanded compensation of Rs 25 lakh for the deceased woman’s family.
Congress leaders also warned of large-scale protests if the Thane Municipal Corporation fails to take action, including the dismissal of the alleged erring staff, by June 6.
Hospital Administration Orders Probe
Responding to the allegations, Dr. Swapnali Kadam, Dean of CSMMH, stated that an inquiry committee has been formed to investigate the incident. The committee is expected to submit its findings next week.
Hospital authorities have not yet commented on the allegations regarding bed availability or the claim that emergency treatment was denied.
CSMMH Previously Faced Criticism Over Patient Care Concerns
The Kalwa-based Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Memorial Hospital is one of the largest civic healthcare institutions serving Thane and surrounding districts. The hospital had previously come under scrutiny after 18 patients reportedly died in a single day several years ago, prompting concerns about infrastructure, patient management, and healthcare delivery standards.
The latest incident has once again brought the spotlight on emergency medical response and patient admission protocols at one of the region’s busiest public hospitals.
