Pune, Oct 2, 2025: Kashibai Navale Hospital, once regarded as a refuge for the underprivileged, has come to a standstill as 1,600 employees go on strike over unpaid salaries spanning several months. Critical medical services, including ICU care, dialysis, and maternity support, have been severely disrupted, leaving patients stranded.
Strike Details: The striking staff include sanitation workers, nurses, assistants, and technical personnel. The strike, launched eight days ago, has intensified, forcing staff to sit outside the hospital demanding their rightful dues. Some doctors have reportedly told patients, “Nothing will happen here. Leave.”
Deep-rooted Systemic Issues: Employees allege that this crisis exposes long-standing mismanagement. Many staff members have faced financial hardships, including mortgaging homes, children’s schooling issues, and severe stress. Rohini Dhumal, a hospital attendant, said, “We fight to save lives every day. But who’s fighting to save ours?”
Financial Irregularities Alleged: Hospital Medical Director Dr. Arvind Bhore acknowledged financial difficulties despite receiving ₹47 crore in government grants earlier this year. Staff allege massive financial mismanagement, with salaries still unpaid and hospital accounts even seized by the Income Tax Department.
Missing Patient Records: Amid the strike, employees have reported that several patient files and records are missing, potentially erasing critical treatment histories and raising concerns about accountability.
Impact on Education and Healthcare: The hospital, which also runs a medical education institute, has failed to provide quality healthcare or training, despite receiving government grants and charging patient fees. Staff argue that the dual purpose of education and healthcare is now being compromised.
Employee Demands: Staff are demanding the release of pending salaries, a high-level inquiry into financial dealings, criminal action against fund mismanagement, transparency in hospital management, and continued affordable healthcare for the public. Authorities are urged to intervene immediately to restore services and uphold public health standards.
