Pune – The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued a notice to Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, demanding an explanation within 24 hours following serious allegations that the hospital delayed handing over a deceased patient’s body due to unpaid bills.
The controversy revolves around Rambhau Jadhav, a 54-year-old farmer from rural Maharashtra, who died on May 6 after being admitted for an angioplasty on May 4. According to Ganesh Kharpude, a relative of the deceased, the hospital failed to perform the angioplasty and instead inserted a temporary pacemaker. After Jadhav’s death, the hospital allegedly refused to release his body for nearly six hours, citing unpaid medical dues.
“The conduct reported is a violation of healthcare norms,” said Dr. Nina Borade, PMC’s health officer. “We are awaiting the hospital’s explanation and will decide further action based on the findings.”
The hospital initially presented a bill of ₹3.3 lakh, which was later reduced to ₹1.75 lakh. The family alleges that even after pleading and offering to pay ₹50,000 immediately, the hospital did not comply until media intervention, after which the body was released within 30 minutes.
Manipal Hospital, in its official statement, denied any wrongdoing. It claimed that Jadhav was declared dead at 10:07 a.m., and the body was handed over at 4 p.m. following “required formalities and documentation.” The hospital also expressed condolences and reiterated its commitment to patient-centric care.
The incident follows closely on the heels of another healthcare controversy in Pune, where a woman died after being denied hospital admission — adding to growing concerns over medical ethics and emergency care practices in private hospitals.
PMC officials said the outcome of the inquiry would determine any regulatory or disciplinary steps to be taken against the hospital.
