Thane: Following the report submitted by the medical inquiry committee in the case of alleged medical negligence against Thane-based gynecologist Dr. Datta Panandikar, which found him guilty of not providing timely treatment and personal supervision to a 35-year-old woman who died in 2022, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has issued a notice to shut down his hospital.
The notice directs the doctor to transfer existing patients to other hospitals and cease medical practice. It also states that if the hospital fails to comply, the TMC will proceed with sealing the premises.
When contacted, Dr. Panandikar stated that he has already filed an appeal against the closure order. He said, “We have filed an appeal with the health ministry at Aarogya Bhawan. Under the Bombay Nursing Home Act, there is no provision to shut down a hospital in a medico-legal case.”
The case dates back to October 9, 2022, when Varsha Patil experienced fluid loss and was rushed to Dr. Datta Panandikar’s hospital in Thane. However, doctors allegedly failed to provide immediate treatment, leading to the death of the unborn child in the uterus. Due to delays in removing the fetus, a severe infection spread through Varsha’s body, causing multiple organ complications.
She was later shifted to Jupiter Hospital for an abortion procedure, but by then, the infection had severely affected her kidneys, leading to organ failure. Her condition deteriorated, and on October 12, 2022, Varsha was declared dead.
Advocate Mohammad Shine, speaking to FPJ, said, “We are happy that the corporation has taken cognizance of this serious incident and taken necessary action. However, the fight for justice for the deceased’s family does not end here. The cases filed before the Hon’ble District Consumer Commission and the Human Rights Commission continue.”
