Pune– Medical associations in Pune, including the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and Hospital Board of India (HBI), have come out in strong support of the gynaecologist from Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital booked in connection with the death of a pregnant woman, warning of protests if the doctor is arrested.
The gynaecologist, Dr. Ghaisas, is accused of refusing admission to the woman reportedly due to her family’s inability to deposit Rs 10 lakh in advance. The woman later gave birth to twins at another hospital and died due to complications. A revised report from Sassoon General Hospital’s six-member panel cited medical negligence and delayed treatment as the primary causes of her death.
While an FIR has been registered, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) section 106(1) under which it was filed does not necessitate arrest, allowing police to proceed with investigation while recording Dr. Ghaisas’ statement. A chargesheet is expected soon, and the case has also been referred to the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC), which has launched an independent inquiry.
However, IMA and HBI claim the FIR is unjust and that the doctor is being unfairly targeted. They allege that the decision to seek a Rs 10 lakh deposit was made by the hospital administration—not the treating doctor—and argue that the woman was never admitted or denied medical treatment.
Doctors Defend Colleague, Call FIR Baseless
Dr. Sanjay Patil, President of HBI, questioned the reversal in the hospital committee’s findings, saying, “Initially, the Sassoon panel gave a clean chit, but 24 hours later, it claimed negligence. This was a high-risk case, not an emergency, and the patient was not under the doctor’s care when complications developed.”
Dr. Sunil Ingle, IMA Pune president, added, “The woman was seen in OPD, and the doctor merely outlined the costs for NICU care for the twins. He did not deny treatment. Filing an FIR under BNS 106(1) is legally flawed.”
MMC Probe and Government Action
The MMC probe has also drawn criticism from doctors who deem it procedurally unfair, citing lack of MMC representation in the committee. Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government has imposed a Rs 10 lakh fine on Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital for violating emergency care regulations.
Half of this amount will be deposited in fixed deposits in the names of the deceased woman’s twin daughters, to be accessed when they turn 18. Their medical expenses until then will be covered under the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
Call for Accountability Beyond the Doctor
Health activist Dr. Abhijit More and other medical professionals have demanded broader accountability, insisting the hospital administration also be held responsible for the policies and decisions that may have contributed to the tragedy.
With tensions mounting, IMA and HBI are planning a joint meeting to decide further action. “If injustice continues, we will protest,” said Dr. Patil.
