Botched up surgery at YCMH: State govt directs PCMC to probe doctors

PCMC heath officials said the state government has taken serious note of the lapse as it was not the first time YCMH functioning has been reported to the government.

Three patients being carried on a stretcher at the PCMC-run YCM hospital which is under scanner over a botched-up operation in January. Express photo

THE Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation has initiated a departmental enquiry against four doctors and two sister in-charges in connection with a botched up surgery in which a 30-year-old patient lost his leg. PCMC action follows directives by the state government and also by the State Human Rights Commission which has taken suo motu action on the Newsline report published in January.

PCMC health chief Dr K Anil Roy Sunday said the state government had directed the PCMC to initiate a probe in the matter and accordingly, they have ordered a departmental enquiry against YCMH chief Dr Manoj Deshmukh and doctors from the unit which handled the operation. The doctor who performed the operation has been missing after the man lost his leg. He has been held guilty by the committee appointment by Sassoon Hospital after the complaint in the matter was forwarded to it, officials said.

PCMC heath officials said the state government has taken serious note of the lapse as it was not the first time YCMH functioning has been reported to the government. “The government wants strong action in the matter so that such cases do not repeat and patients’ faith is not shaken in civic and government hospitals,” said officials.

[related-post]

Dr Roy said the State Human Rights Commission had also directed PCMC to investigate the matter and file an affidavit in the matter.

“The Commission has taken suo motu following a report in Newsline. The commission had sent a letter and the paper clipping of the news report directing us to file an affidavit in the matter,” said officials. Officials said the human rights commission has taken strong exception to the negligence on the part of the YCMH doctors and management and has sought strict action in the matter and recommended all help be provided to the patient.

PCMC health officials said the doctor who performed the operation went missing after the man’s leg had to be amputated. “We are planning to recommend that his degree be revoked,” said officials.

PCMC officials said the probe against YCMH chief Dr Manoj Deshmukh is basically aimed at finding out what he actually did. “Did he have control over the situation? Was he updated by the doctors about the progress of the case? Does he on his own seek progress in patient’s case,” said officials. Officials said the probe is being carried out by an independent person and will find out the guilt of each individual involved.

Story continues below this ad

The family of Balasaheb Dhendge, who had lost his leg, had filed a police complaint in January against the doctor and also filed complaints with the Chief Minister’s office and Health Minister Deepak Sawant. “I hope now justice will be done to me and my family.

The operation has rendered me helpless and hopeless. My family has fallen on bad times. PCMC had promised me a job and monetary assistance but since then nothing has come my way,” said Dhendge.

His sister, Seema Pawar, who had been running from one authority to another seeking justice for her brother, said, “I cannot bring back the lost leg of my brother. But I want PCMC to take care of him and his family. It had promised his family financial assistance but has apparently backtraced. We hope the state government and the State Human Rights Commissioner will make PCMC see sense,” she said.
Dhendge was admitted to YCM Hospital on September 16 as he was finding it difficult to walk due to a vericose vein problem. The operation was performed a week later, after which it led to complications.

Dhengde’s sister Seema said that when they tried to find out the reasons from the doctors, they remained evasive. “It was clear that they had botched up the surgery. But the hospital was not able to take any immediate corrective steps,” she said.

Story continues below this ad

Pawar said that when senior surgeon Sanjay Padale was handed over the case, it was too late. “We were told that my brother’s leg would have to be amputated and there was no other option. If it wouldn’t be severed, it would affect other organs and that could prove fatal,” Pawar said.

Dhendge was finally operated upon during which his right leg was severed.

WATCH INDIAN EXPRESS VIDEOS HERE

Manoj Dattatrye More

Manoj Dattatrye More is a Senior Editor at The Indian Express, having been with the publication since 1992. Based in Pune, he is a veteran journalist with a 33-year career that spans editorial desk work, investigative reporting, and political analysis. Professional Legacy Experience: He spent his first 16 years on the editorial desk before moving into active field reporting. He has written over 20,000 stories, including more than 10,000 bylined articles. Impact Journalism: He is widely respected for "campaign-style" reporting that leads to tangible social change. Road Safety: His decade-long campaign regarding the dangerous state of the Pune-Mumbai highway in Khadki resulted in a ₹23 crore reconstruction project in 2006, which dramatically reduced fatalities. Environmental Protection: His reports against tree cutting on the Pune-Mumbai and Pune-Nashik highways saved approximately 2,000 trees. Anti-Corruption: During the COVID-19 pandemic, he exposed a scam where doctors were being asked to pay bribes for government jobs, resulting in them being hired without payment. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Manoj More's recent work focuses heavily on the shifting political landscape of Maharashtra and civic governance in the Pimpri-Chinchwad area: 1. Political Shifts & Alliances "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): A major report on the local self-government election results, detailing the NCP’s stronghold in Baramati, Indapur, and Lonavala. "BJP ropes in 13 ex-corporators, deals major blow to NCP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on a significant political defection in Pimpri-Chinchwad as the BJP gears up for civic polls. "Congress opts for solo BMC run as alliance talks with Sena (UBT) collapse" (Dec 17, 2025): Covering the breakdown of Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) talks for the Mumbai civic elections. "NCP(SP)'s Rahul Kalate, Sena (UBT) leader Sanjog Waghere set to join BJP" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing high-profile party-hopping ahead of the municipal elections. 2. Civic & Administrative Accountability "PCMC draws ire for issuing tenders worth Rs 250 crore just before poll code" (Dec 17, 2025): An investigative piece on the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s last-minute spending spree before election restrictions. "93 killed in 76 accidents in five years: Bypass service roads in Pune remain undeveloped for 18 yrs" (Nov 16, 2025): A critical look at the long-delayed infrastructure projects contributing to fatalities on Pune’s bypass roads. 3. Social & Labor Issues "As state says TCS has laid off 376 employees: FITE flags figures, say nearly 2,500 were forced to quit" (Dec 11, 2025): Investigating conflicting reports regarding IT sector layoffs in Maharashtra. "Maharashtra govt move to 'downgrade' Aadhaar cards" (Nov 30, 2025): Reporting on the state’s decision to require additional documents alongside Aadhaar to combat identity misuse. Signature Beat Manoj More is the definitive voice on Pimpri-Chinchwad, an industrial hub he has covered for three decades. His reporting is characterized by its aggressive stance against local "gondaism" (thuggery) and a relentless focus on civic infrastructure—choked drains, garbage management, and public transport. X (Twitter): @manojmore91982 ... Read More

Click here to join Express Pune WhatsApp channel and get a curated list of our stories

Tags:
PCMC