Several organisations on Saturday staged demonstrations against Pune's Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital for allegedly turning away a pregnant woman over non-payment of ₹10 lakh as an advance for treatment.
Organisations like Akhand Maratha Samaj, Satyashodhak Bahujan Aghadi, Lahuji Shakti Sena, Rugna Hakk Parishad and many others demanded immediate action against the hospital authorities for the death of the woman.
Satyashodhak Bahujan Aghadi workers even took off their shirts in protest. Sachin Bhagare, President of Satyashodhak Bahujan Aghadi, said, "We have removed our clothes in protest of the inhuman incident. It's a matter of shame for the medical fraternity. The government should immediately replace the staff of the hospital."
Akhand Maratha Samaj demanded that the hospital take full responsibility for the education of the deceased woman’s twins. Shubham Padhtare, a member of Akhand Maratha Samaj, said, "It is a matter of total negligence. If the hospital staff had put in their efforts on time, the woman could have been saved. A case of negligence should be registered against all the responsible staff, and they should be dismissed. We are demanding that the hospital take responsibility for the education of the newly born twins. This is a charitable hospital, and we are also demanding that it be run by government medical staff."
Shirish Kade, another member of Akhand Maratha Samaj, alleged that a charitable hospital demanding such a huge amount as an admission charge is unethical. An in-depth investigation should be conducted and action must be taken, he added.
Meanwhile, members of the Lahuji Shakti Sena climbed on top of the hospital building demanding the arrest of Dr Sushrut Ghaisas. Reportedly, Ghaisas had suggested the woman's relatives take her to Sassoon General Hospital if they were hesitant to admit her due to financial reasons.
