Pune, Maharashtra (April 4, 205): Dinanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune is facing serious allegations of prioritizing money over a patient’s life after a pregnant woman died allegedly due to delayed treatment. The incident took place on March 29 when Tanisha Bhise, 27, who was seven months pregnant, was rushed to the hospital after experiencing labor pains. Tanisha was the wife of Sushant Bhise, a personal assistant to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) member Amit Gorkhe. According to the family, the hospital administration demanded Rs 20 lakh for treatment and insisted that Rs 10 lakh be paid immediately before starting any procedure. The family offered to pay Rs 3 lakh on the spot and assured the rest would be arranged soon. However, hospital staff reportedly refused and advised them to go to Sassoon Hospital if they could not afford the charges. The family shifted her to another private hospital, where she gave birth to twins. Her condition later worsened, and she was moved to another hospital, where she died during treatment.
Family Blames Hospital for Negligence
Tanisha’s family claims she could have been saved if treatment had started on time.
MLC Amit Gorkhe criticized the hospital. In a video message on X (formerly Twitter), Gorkhe alleged that the hospital demanded Rs 10 lakh upfront for treatment. Despite her family assuring an immediate payment of Rs 3 lakh, admission was refused. He also claimed that even a call from Mantralaya to the hospital did not change the situation. “This is a serious issue. I request the chief minister to take strict action against the hospital. I will also raise this matter in the upcoming legislative session,” Gorkhe said. After the incident, Gorkhe met with senior Pune Police officials and demanded immediate suspension of the doctors involved. He called for a criminal case to be registered, alleging “extortion” by the hospital, which operates under charitable status. He also insisted that the family receive justice and compensation.
Public Outrage and Demand for Action
The incident has sparked anger over private hospitals prioritising money over patients.
Hospital Responds to Allegations
Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital has refuted the claims, accusing the woman’s family of providing “misleading information.” Medical Director Dr. Dhananjay Kelkar stated that a detailed report would be submitted to the state health department. “The report will include medical details that were concealed by the deceased’s family,” he said.
Political Reactions
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare criticised the hospital, saying Tanisha Bhise might have survived if the administration had shown humanitarian consideration. BJP MLC Chitra Wagh called for strict action, including revoking the licenses of doctors or hospitals found guilty. “If this is how they treat someone close to a legislator, one can only imagine what ordinary patients go through,” she said.
NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule demanded a law ensuring no mother is denied treatment during pregnancy. “The government must take this matter seriously and conduct a thorough investigation. Hospitals should not deny urgent medical care to patients over financial issues,” she said.
Other political leaders, including NCP (SP) MP Amol Kolhe and state party president Jayant Patil, also called for action against the hospital.