The recent surge in patient fatalities at state-run hospitals in Maharashtra has ignited a wave of criticism and calls for a comprehensive investigation. Uddhav Thackeray, the president of Shiv Sena (UBT), has raised serious concerns about the situation, accusing the government of corruption and negligence. The tragic deaths, occurring in quick succession, have cast a spotlight on the state's healthcare system and governance.
Thackeray Demands CBI Probe
During a press conference held at Matoshree, Uddhav Thackeray called for a thorough investigation into the tragic incidents. He questioned the government's actions against the acting dean of Nanded hospital, suggesting that these actions may have been retaliation for the dean filing an FIR against Sena MP Hemant Patil. Patil allegedly forced the dean to clean a restroom, resulting in a criminal case against him. Thackeray raised doubts about whether this was an attempt to protect Patil and questioned the motives behind the FIR against the acting dean.
Corruption Allegations
In his scathing critique, Thackeray accused the government of prioritizing advertising over saving lives. He alleged that medicines were being procured without a proper tendering process, which, in his view, facilitated corruption within the government. Thackeray held the government responsible for the loss of lives, attributing it to a systemic problem of corrupt governance.
Rising Patient Deaths
The recent tragedies have left the public shocked and concerned. A total of 31 patients, including infants, lost their lives at the Dr. Shankarrao Chavan Government Medical College and Hospital in Nanded within a 48-hour period starting on September 30. Additionally, the Government Medical College and Hospital at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar recorded 18 patient deaths between October 2 and 3. These incidents have underscored the urgent need for accountability and reform within the state's healthcare system.
Court's Critique of Government Competence
Thackeray referenced a court's statement that characterized the Shiv Sena-BJP government as incompetent. He called upon Shiv Sainiks to visit their local government hospitals, engage with the deans and hospital authorities, and assess the conditions and available resources. Thackeray emphasized the lack of humanity within the government, citing the strain on doctors who are forced to work during consecutive holidays due to staffing shortages.
Task Force Comparison
Thackeray drew a comparison between the current government's response to the healthcare crisis and the measures taken during the Covid-19 pandemic under the previous administration. He pointed out that, despite staffing shortages during their tenure, incidents of negligence and patient fatalities did not occur at the same scale. Thackeray expressed gratitude for a task force established during their leadership and questioned the effectiveness of the newly-formed task force under the current regime.
Political Criticism
Taking aim at Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Thackeray criticized the alleged "rate card" for doctor transfers and Shinde's perceived lack of presence during critical situations, such as the flooding in Nagpur during the Ganapati festival. Thackeray accused Shinde of prioritizing photo opportunities with Bollywood stars over addressing the crisis. He also noted the Chief Minister's absence from Nanded in the aftermath of the recent tragedy.
Calls for Government Accountability
Concluding his statement, Thackeray argued that the Shiv Sena-BJP government was the root cause of corruption in Maharashtra. He accused leaders of being more interested in vying for guardian minister positions than addressing the concerns of citizens. Thackeray urged the court to intervene and provide necessary directions to reprimand the state government, signaling a growing demand for transparency and accountability in Maharashtra's healthcare system.
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