Tanisha Bhise death: Probe panel says Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital violated provisions, recommends action

The report by the committee headed by Dr Radhakishan Pawar, Deputy Director of Health, Pune Circle, said that all charitable hospitals must provide a patient in an emergency with all vital treatment until they are stabilised, as per the Bombay Public Trusts Act, 1950.

The findings of the committee were discussed at a meeting held by Rupali Chakankar, chairperson of the Maharashtra State Women’s Commission, on Monday. Chakankar said at a joint press conference at the Pune Police Commissionerate later that a decision in the case will be taken after two more reports are submitted. These include the report of the maternal death review committee and another report by the charity commissioner’s office.

The committee also found lacunae in the explanation provided by the hospital about the patient waiting for five-and-a-half hours before leaving the premises. As per the Maharashtra Nursing Home Registration Act, hospitals are required to provide golden-hour treatment without considering the patient’s financial capacity. “They must also arrange transportation to another hospital if required. These duties were not fulfilled by DMH,” the report said.

The committee cited the ‘golden hour’ rule treatment protocol and recommended that the civic administration initiate action against the hospital.

As per the report, a registered charitable institution has to admit and treat emergency patients without demanding a deposit. “If referral is necessary, it must be done with proper care and documentation, which the hospital failed to do,” the report further stated. According to the committee, the hospital did not make an effort to initiate treatment.