Pune :
ONP (Oyster and Pearl) Hospital in Pune is facing intense scrutiny after the sudden death of 42-year-old entrepreneur Sonu Kaushik during a rhinoplasty procedure. The hospital has denied allegations of negligence, stating that all protocols were followed, but Kaushik’s family strongly disputes this, alleging critical lapses in emergency preparedness.
Death After Anaesthesia Sparks Outrage
Kaushik reportedly collapsed shortly after being administered anaesthesia and could not be revived. The hospital cited the possibility of a rare reaction, malignant hyperthermia, for which they claim no hospital in Pune stocks the antidote—Dantrolene—due to high cost and shelf-life issues.
Family Alleges Hospital Was Unprepared
Relatives, including Kaushik’s niece Dr Sheela Sharma and cousin Saurav Bhatti, countered the hospital’s claim, stating they themselves procured Dantrolene from a local stockist within minutes. “How can a hospital ask grieving relatives to arrange emergency medicine?” Bhatti said. Dr Sharma added that cost should never be a reason to omit life-saving drugs from hospital inventory.
Concerns Over Admission Timing and Protocols
The family also questioned why Kaushik was admitted only hours before the surgery, instead of the prior day, arguing that it prevented adequate preoperative monitoring. They pointed out that Kaushik had undergone surgeries in the past under general anaesthesia without complications, further casting doubt on the hospital’s narrative.
Hospital Defends Record, Anaesthesiologist Absent from Inquiry
ONP Hospital reiterated that the incident was unprecedented in its 15-year history and that it maintains NABH accreditation. They defended the actions of the attending anaesthesiologist, Dr Rasheeda Bandookwala, who did not attend the post-incident meeting, citing trauma. The hospital added that nursing staff are not obligated to address media or family queries directly.
Investigation Ongoing as Public Questions Mount
Kaushik’s death has reignited debate around hospital accountability, the ethics of emergency preparedness, and access to critical medications. A police complaint has been filed and a post-mortem report is awaited to determine the exact cause of death.
