Charity Guidelines Ignored: Health Dept Report Slams Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pregnant Woman’s Death
Mrudula Narale
Pune – A tragic case of alleged medical negligence has come to light in Pune, where a 30-year-old pregnant woman lost her life allegedly after Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital refused to admit her without an upfront payment of Rs 20 lakh. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and raised serious concerns about healthcare accessibility in private hospitals, especially those registered under charity.
The Case of Tanisha Sushant Bhise
Tanisha Sushant Bhise, who was seven months pregnant with twins, was rushed to Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital Pune on the morning of March 29 after she experienced severe bleeding. According to family friend Swapnil Nahar, the attending doctor, Sushrut Ghaisas, demanded Rs 10 lakh per baby, insisting that Rs 5 lakh be paid immediately before treatment could begin. The family pleaded for flexibility, offering to pay Rs 2.5 lakh immediately and arrange the rest as treatment progressed. However, their requests were denied.
The doctor allegedly told the family to take Tanisha to Sassoon General Hospital if they lacked the required funds. This statement caused Tanisha to panic, further complicating her critical condition. Despite frantic calls to political figures, including representatives from the Chief Minister’s Office and BJP MLC Amit Gorakhe’s office, the hospital remained firm in its demand.
Unable to secure admission at Deenanath Hospital Pune, the family took Tanisha to Sassoon General Hospital. However, concerned about the condition of the facility, they decided to move her to Surya Hospital Wakad, reaching there by 4 p.m. The doctors at Surya Hospital performed an emergency cesarean section the next morning, successfully delivering two baby girls. Unfortunately, Tanisha’s condition worsened, and Surya Hospital lacked the necessary facilities to manage her complications.
By 2:30 p.m. on March 30, Tanisha was shifted to Manipal Hospital Baner. There, doctors diagnosed her with a severe stroke, significant blood loss, and hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy—a condition caused by lack of oxygen to the brain. Despite medical efforts, she was declared brain dead, and by 11:58 p.m. on March 31, she succumbed to her condition.
Lack of an Ambulance Worsened the Situation
Another tragic aspect of the case was the absence of an ambulance during the crucial hospital transfers. The family was forced to transport Tanisha in a private car, further delaying critical treatment.
“Deenanath Hospital specializes in mother and baby care, as well as cardiology. Had she received timely treatment, she might have survived,” said Bala Shukla, a family friend.
Public and Government Reaction
The incident has raised serious questions about Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital’s policies, especially considering its recent receipt of a 795 sq m plot from the government for Rs 1 to build a bridge connecting its properties in Erandwane. The hospital, originally intended to serve the poor, is now facing criticism for allegedly prioritizing financial gain over patient care.
Despite repeated attempts, the hospital’s director, Dr. Dhananjay Kelkar, refused to comment, and its public relations officer, Shirish Yadkikar, did not respond to calls.
