Political parties have intensified pressure on Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune following the death of a six-year-old girl during a routine eye surgery on Monday. The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena staged a protest outside the medical facility on Thursday, while NCP (SP) MP Nilesh Lanke met hospital authorities demanding strict action against those responsible.
Incident Details
The young girl passed away on May 18 during an eye procedure. Her relatives have alleged medical negligence, prompting the hospital to launch an internal inquiry. The Pune police have referred the case to an expert committee at Sassoon General Hospital to determine if clinical negligence occurred.
Political Reactions
Ahmednagar (Ahilyanagar) MP Nilesh Lanke visited the hospital on Wednesday night to discuss the matter with the administration. Speaking to the media, Lanke said, “While the hospital has formed its own committee, I have spoken to state health minister Prakash Abitkar to demand a speedy and impartial investigation. This is reportedly the second such fatality involving this hospital. I intend to raise this issue during the upcoming Parliament session to demand stricter regulations and accountability for medical negligence.”
On Thursday, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) workers gathered outside the hospital gates, shouting slogans and demanding justice for the bereaved family. Political outfits are increasing pressure on both the hospital management and the state government to expedite the investigation.
Hospital Response
The hospital maintains that it is cooperating with the authorities and awaits the findings of the medical board. The internal inquiry is ongoing, and hospital officials have expressed condolences to the family.
This incident has sparked a broader debate on medical negligence and accountability in healthcare facilities, with multiple political leaders calling for stricter regulations and faster investigations to prevent such tragedies in the future.
