In a shocking and distressing turn of events, a government hospital in Nanded, Maharashtra, where 31 patients lost their lives within a span of 48 hours, has come under intense scrutiny. The situation took a bizarre and troubling twist when a Member of Parliament (MP) from the ruling Shiv Sena, Hemant Patil, instructed the hospital’s dean to clean a filthy toilet.
The tragic series of events began when news of the hospital’s alarming death toll, which reached 24 within just 24 hours, made national headlines. By the following day, the number had risen to a staggering 31 deaths, with an additional 71 patients in critical condition.
Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) MP Hemant Patil visited the Shankarrao Chavan Government Hospital to assess the situation and address the concerns raised by the alarming number of fatalities. During his visit, he came across an unclean toilet, which prompted an unusual course of action. Patil took hold of the hospital’s dean, Shyamrao Wakode, and instructed him to clean the dirty restroom.
Videos of the incident depict MP Hemant Patil standing by with a pipe while Dean Wakode proceeds to clean the toilet, using a wiper to direct streams of dirty water into the commode. Containers, a bottle, and a toilet brush were placed on a window ledge during the impromptu cleaning.
Dean Wakode had previously denied allegations of medical negligence, stating that there was no shortage of medicines or doctors, and that patients had received proper care but did not respond to treatment.
The opposition, however, has launched a barrage of criticism against the Eknath Shinde-led government in Maharashtra, comprising the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), the BJP, and the Ajit Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Prominent leaders, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, expressed deep concern over the deaths and called for thorough investigations.
Dr. Dilip Mhaisekar, Director of Medical Education and Research, confirmed that a committee has been established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Maharashtra’s Medical Education Minister, Hasan Mushrif, also pledged to visit the hospital and conduct a comprehensive inquiry. He emphasized that negligence, if found, would result in strict punishment for those responsible.
The tragic incident in Nanded echoes a similar occurrence in a government hospital in Thane in August 2023, where 18 patients lost their lives, sparking calls for improved healthcare infrastructure and accountability in Maharashtra’s healthcare system.
Sources By Agencies