Pune Mental Hospital Takes Action Against Contractor Over Patient Labor Allegations
The Regional Mental Hospital (RMH) in Yerawada, Pune, has issued a formal show-cause notice to its cleaning contractor following the circulation of disturbing videos online that appear to show psychiatric patients engaged in cleaning duties at the facility. This action comes after the videos sparked widespread concern and allegations of labor exploitation.
Contractor Accused of Violating Agreement and Patient Rights
In the notice issued on Friday, hospital authorities identified the contractor as M/s Lokrajya Swayamrojgar Seva Sahakari Sanstha Ltd., which has been responsible for maintaining cleanliness at the hospital since 2017 under a contract that extends until March 31, 2026. The notice explicitly states that the contractor bears full responsibility for cleanliness, yet the videos circulating on newspapers, television channels, and social media platforms allegedly show psychiatric patients performing these duties.
"The aforementioned videos clearly demonstrate that you are, in fact, utilizing psychiatric patients to perform cleaning duties," the notice reads. It further emphasizes that this has led to unwarranted defamation and tarnishing of the reputation of the Regional Mental Hospital, the health department, and the government.
Multiple Violations and Poor Performance Cited
According to a press statement from RMH authorities, the contractor was required under the agreement to deploy adequate manpower, equipment, and materials to ensure hygiene across wards, premises, and other departments. However, cleaning work was often carried out with limited manpower of only 30-35 workers and sometimes using basic methods like water cleaning, which did not meet contract conditions.
Dr. Shrinivas Kolod, the medical superintendent of RMH, revealed that several notices had been issued previously regarding poor work quality and non-compliance, but no satisfactory explanations were received. Additionally, complaints were raised about non-payment of minimum wages and failure to provide statutory benefits such as provident fund and other entitlements to workers.
Financial and Legal Implications
Officials noted that the contractor had been paid only 35% of dues based on actual work, frequency, and material use as assessed by the hospital. In response, the contractor issued a notice on March 23, 2026, stating that services would be discontinued from April 1, 2026.
The show-cause notice also highlighted that sharing images or videos of mental health patients violates the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, constituting a serious offence. Dr. Kolod added that capturing and circulating such visuals without authorization violates patient rights and human dignity.
Ongoing Investigation and Potential Legal Action
Authorities have stated that appropriate action will be taken against those found responsible, as per directions from senior officials. The matter is currently under examination, and legal steps may follow to address the violations and ensure accountability.
This incident underscores ongoing challenges in maintaining ethical standards and compliance in healthcare facilities, particularly concerning vulnerable populations like psychiatric patients.
