Maharashtra hospital deaths: Bombay HC takes suo motu cognizance of matter, calls urgent hearing on Oct 4
Maharashtra hospital deaths: Bombay High Court has taken suo moto cognizance of the terrible conditions at two Maharashtra hospitals, including one in Nanded, where 31 deaths, including 16 children, were recorded in 72 hours. The High Court demanded budgetary data, warning the state that if the deaths were caused by a lack of manpower or medicines, "it will not be tolerated at all."
These details must be submitted by Friday, according to a bench chaired by Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya.
Earlier today, Mohit Khanna, an advocate, requested that the bench take up the matter on its own initiative. He was told he needed to file a petition. However, the court took cognizance of claims from doctors at the two hospitals regarding a lack of beds, staff, and medicines hours later.
In addition to the deaths in Nanded, Khanna's letter mentioned 18 deaths, including infants, at a government hospital in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (previously Aurangabad).
Maharashtra Hospital Deaths
The hospital reported 24 deaths in 24 hours on Monday and the death toll rose to 31 in 48 hours on Tuesday. 71 patients are stated to be in critical condition.
Wakode had denied charges of healthcare negligence on Monday, claiming that there was no shortage of medicines or doctors. He stated that the patients were given proper care but did not respond to it.
A committee has been constituted to investigate the deaths, according to Dr Dilip Mhaisekar, Director of Medical Education and Research.
- With inputs from agencies
