INDIA. Mumbai: In a heartbreaking incident, 24 patients, including a dozen children, tragically lost their lives within 24 hours at the Dr. Shankarrao Chavan Government Medical College and Hospital (DSCGMCH) in Nanded, Maharashtra. This devastating loss of lives was attributed to a severe shortage of medical staff and essential medicines.
Among the 12 adult patients, four succumbed to heart attacks, one to food poisoning, two to kidney failure, one to a stomach ailment, three to severe injuries sustained in accidents, and one woman faced complications during childbirth. Additionally, 12 infants were referred to the hospital by local private healthcare facilities.
Dr. Shyamrao Wakode, the Dean of the Government Medical College, revealed that the hospital was grappling with staff shortages due to transfers and inadequate supplies of medicines. The hospital had intended to procure medicines from the Haffkine Institute, but this did not materialize, leading them to purchase medicines from local stores at the last minute. Furthermore, the sanctioned budget for medicines fell significantly short of the actual requirement. The hospital serves as the sole healthcare facility within a 70-80 km radius in Nanded, leading to a substantial influx of patients from neighboring districts and areas bordering Telangana.
Dr. Wakode emphasized their commitment to ensuring that no patient loses their life due to a lack of essential medicines and mentioned the local budget being utilized in such emergencies.
Dr. Dilip Mhaisekar, Director of Medical Education and Research, announced the formation of a three-member expert committee from Aurangabad district tasked with submitting a report by the following Tuesday.
Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Congress leader Ashok Chavan, who visited the hospital, expressed concern over the seriousness of the situation.
He highlighted that many transferred nurses had not been replaced, placing an overwhelming burden on the medical staff and doctors due to the high volume of patients. Chavan pledged to contact Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar to seek intervention for additional funds.
This tragic incident echoes a similar event that occurred between August 12 and 13, where 18 patients lost their lives at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital in Kalwa, Thane district, sparking outrage across the state.
NCP MP Supriya Sule has called for a thorough investigation into these deaths, emphasizing that they were not accidental but resulted from negligence. She also urged for adequate compensation to be provided to the families of the deceased.
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