Pune Pregnancy Death Incident: Doctor Resigns Amid Threats, Hospital Faces Backlash

Pune, April 7 (NationPress) In the midst of escalating outrage surrounding the death of a pregnant woman, Tanisha Bhise, who was reportedly denied admission due to an inability to pay a deposit of Rs 10 lakh at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, the consulting obstetrician and gynecologist Dr Shshrut Ghaisas submitted his resignation on Monday.

In his resignation letter, he mentioned overwhelming public anger, social media criticism, and threatening calls as contributing factors. Tragically, Tanisha Bhise passed away at another hospital after delivering twin daughters.

Dr Dhananjay Kelkar, the medical director of the hospital, informed the press that, “In his resignation letter, Dr Ghaisas expressed that he is facing immense mental strain due to public backlash, threats, and criticism. He fears this may affect his capacity to care for other patients and potentially endanger his family's safety. To prevent any compromise to his professional integrity, he has chosen to resign.”

The hospital administration has submitted Dr Ghaisas's resignation to its board of trustees, with expectations that it will be accepted. He will, however, fulfill his scheduled surgeries and duties until Thursday.

Dr Kelkar also acknowledged that the hospital typically does not request deposits except in high-risk situations.

In the case of Tanisha Bhise, Dr Ghaisas documented on a case paper the requirement for the Rs 10 lakh deposit. The hospital has faced significant scrutiny following the incident, as Tanisha was the spouse of BJP legislator Amit Gorkhe’s personal assistant.

Taking the matter seriously, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has mandated an inquiry by a committee chaired by the Joint Commissioner of Charity, while a separate investigation is being conducted by the Public Health Department.

Rupali Chakankar, chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women, announced that directives have been issued to the Pune Municipal Commissioner to carry out a comprehensive inquiry. Subsequently, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC)’s Health Department has issued a show-cause notice to Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital regarding this issue.

Reports indicate that members of the women’s wing of the BJP allegedly invaded Dr Ghaisas's mother’s clinic in Kothrud last week, causing property damage, according to police.

Interestingly, a preliminary report from a five-member inquiry committee led by Deputy Director Pune circle Dr Radhakishan Pawar has found the hospital culpable for contravening the Hospitals Act by failing to provide immediate treatment and subsequently referring the case for additional care.

The committee's findings indicated that the hospital also breached the Bombay Public Trust Act, 1950, which mandates that charitable hospitals provide immediate medical attention in emergencies, ensuring essential life-saving treatments and stabilization. Reports from two additional committees are still pending.

In the meantime, Vijay Wadettiwar, leader of the Congress Legislature Party, stated, “Dr Ghaisas has resigned to evade accountability, and the search for loopholes has commenced. What is the government waiting for? Is it looking to find excuses or merely grant a clean slate? Anyone responsible, whether the doctor or the hospital management, must face legal action.”

Supriya Sule, NCP SP MP, claimed that Tanisha Bhise’s death constitutes murder. “Dr Ghaisas has stepped down. However, we do not seek his resignation; we demand the government act swiftly. Given the findings against the hospital, all involved must face charges,” she asserted.

Rupali Chakankar of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women stated that evidence shows Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital staff delayed for 5.5 hours without administering medical care, which resulted in excessive blood loss and ultimately led to death.

“Had initial medical aid been provided, Tanisha Bhise might still be alive today,” she concluded.