Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Apr 8: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Tuesday came down heavily on the Devendra Fadnavis-led MahaYuti government over the tragic death of a pregnant woman, Tanisha Bhise, who was allegedly denied treatment at Dinanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune after being asked to pay a deposit of Rs 10 lac.

Taking to social media platform 'X', Aaditya questioned the government’s silence and inaction despite a probe panel citing serious lapses and non-compliance with medical norms by the hospital.

“Why is the government shielding the trust and the agency running the hospital? Why has no action been taken even after the inquiry committee confirmed that norms were flouted?” he asked.

Aaditya’s remarks came a day after consulting obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Sushrut Ghaisas resigned amid mounting public outrage, social media backlash, and threat calls. It was Dr Ghaisas who allegedly demanded the Rs 10 lac deposit after examining Tanisha Bhise.

Tanisha later gave birth to twin daughters at another facility but tragically passed away due to alleged delays in critical care.

Aaditya also raised concerns about the hospital’s credibility. “How can Punekars trust such a hospital which gives contradictory statements to cover itself rather than save lives?” he said, while also calling attention to the hospital's alleged pending tax and municipal dues worth crores.

“Who is really running this hospital? And why is it so influential that the Chief Minister needs to defend it?” he asked pointedly.

Meanwhile, Dr Dhananjay Kelkar, the hospital’s medical director, told media that Dr Ghaisas’ resignation has been forwarded to the trustees and is expected to be accepted soon. Ghaisas will reportedly continue to work until Thursday, completing scheduled surgeries.

A five-member committee, headed by Deputy Director of Health Services (Pune Circle) Dr Radhakishan Pawar, has submitted a preliminary report blaming the hospital for violating multiple provisions of the Hospitals Act, including failure to provide initial emergency treatment. It also flagged a violation of the Bombay Public Trust Act, 1950, which mandates charitable hospitals to offer immediate and essential life-saving care during emergencies.

The Public Health Department constituted the committee following widespread public protests and political outrage over the incident