Pregnant Woman Dies After Pune Hospital Denies Admission Over ₹10 Lakh Fee, Govt Orders Probe

In a distressing incident that has sparked widespread outrage, a seven-months-pregnant woman in Pune lost her life after allegedly being denied admission to a hospital due to an inability to pay an upfront fee of ₹10 lakh. The tragic event has prompted Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, to initiate an inquiry into the matter.​

The Tragic Incident

Tanisha Bhise, who was expecting twins, experienced complications related to her pregnancy. Her husband, Sushant Bhise, took her to Dinanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune for urgent medical attention. According to Sushant, the hospital demanded ₹10 lakh before admitting Tanisha. Despite his immediate offer to pay ₹2.5 lakh, the hospital allegedly refused admission. Consequently, the family sought care at another facility, but tragically, Tanisha passed away following the delivery. ​

Family’s Allegations and Demand for Justice

Sushant Bhise, who serves as the personal secretary to Maharashtra Legislative Council member Amit Gorkhe, has accused the hospital of prioritizing money over human life. He asserted that timely medical intervention could have saved his wife’s life. Echoing these sentiments, MLC Gorkhe criticized the hospital’s actions and has vowed to raise the issue in the forthcoming legislative session. ​

Hospital’s Response

In response to the allegations, Ravi Palekar, the Public Relations Officer for Dinanath Mangeshkar Hospital, stated that the information circulating in the media is incomplete and potentially damaging to the hospital’s reputation. He mentioned that an internal investigation is underway, and a comprehensive report will be submitted to the state administration. ​

Government’s Reaction and Inquiry

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has taken cognizance of the incident and ordered a thorough inquiry. He emphasized the need to ensure that such incidents do not recur and that hospitals adhere to ethical practices, especially concerning emergency medical care.

Broader Implications and Public Outcry

This incident has ignited a broader conversation about the accessibility and ethics of healthcare in India. The public and various advocacy groups are calling for stricter regulations to prevent hospitals from denying critical care based on financial constraints. The tragedy underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms to ensure that medical institutions prioritize patient welfare over financial considerations.