The Bombay High Court has taken cognizance of the tragic deaths occurring at two government hospitals in Maharashtra. These deaths have raised concerns about the critical shortage of medical staff and essential medications, sparking outrage and calls for accountability. A division bench, comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay and Justice Arif Doctor, has firmly declared that such fatalities resulting from these shortages are unacceptable.
The High Court's intervention came in response to a letter submitted by advocate Mohit Khanna, who urgently sought the court's attention to the matter. Khanna highlighted the distressing fact that, within a span of just three days, 31 patients, including 16 children, tragically lost their lives at the Shankarrao Chavan Government Hospital in Nanded. This alarming incident prompted the court to take action.
Legal Proceedings Initiated
Upon taking cognizance of the situation, the Bombay High Court directed Advocate General Birendra Saraf to gather comprehensive data. The data is expected to encompass staff vacancies, the availability of medicines, and the extent of government funding allocated to the institution. The court has set a date for further hearings on the matter, underscoring the gravity of the situation and its commitment to addressing the issues at hand.
Hospital Administrators Speak Out
The dean of the Shankarrao Chavan Government Hospital in Nanded, Dr. SR Wakode, shed light on the dire circumstances faced by the institution. Dr. Wakode explained that a recent staff transfer had led to a severe shortage of medical personnel, making it extremely challenging to cope with the sudden surge in patients. Furthermore, the Haffkine Institute, responsible for procuring medications for government hospitals throughout Maharashtra, had ceased the supply of drugs, adding to their difficulties. Dr. Wakode emphasized that local procurement of medicines had proven insufficient due to budget constraints, making the hospital's situation even more precarious.
Tragedy Strikes Again
Tragically, the situation was not confined to Nanded alone. In Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, at the Government Medical College and Hospital, 14 patients, including two newborns, lost their lives within a span of just 24 hours between October 2 and 3. These incidents were reported by NDTV and further intensified the urgency of addressing the healthcare crisis in the region.
Government's Response
In response to these devastating incidents, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde swiftly took cognizance and ordered a high-level inquiry. He reassured the public that those found responsible for the lapses would face consequences once the findings of the investigative committee were revealed. The government's commitment to accountability was reiterated in the face of these healthcare challenges.
Advocate Mohit Khanna's Concerns
Advocate Mohit Khanna's letter to the court, as reported by Live Law, highlighted the plight of citizens who rely on government healthcare services. Khanna underscored the critical shortage of staff and essential medications, emphasizing the importance of swift and effective action in the interest of public health. He also referenced a distressing incident in August, where 18 fatalities were recorded at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Memorial Hospital, administered by the Thane Municipal Corporation in Kalwa.
Share
Tweet
