A five-member expert panel formed by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to investigate the death of six-year-old Priyanshi Bagde at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital (DMH) has concluded that the hospital failed to conduct essential diagnostic scans before treating the girl. The panel has recommended that Sassoon General Hospital undertake a further investigation into the matter.
Panel Findings
The panel noted that X-ray, ECG, and 2D Echo tests were not performed prior to the procedure. Post-operative blood test results indicated that the girl had a bleeding disorder. The committee stated that the exact cause of death could not be determined without the post-mortem report from Sassoon General Hospital.
Official Statement
PMC Assistant Health Officer Dr. Suryakant Devkar said, “We have received the report from the committee formed for the preliminary investigation into the girl’s death. It has recommended that experts from Sassoon Hospital conduct a further investigation. We will forward the report to the state health department, on whose instructions the civic panel was formed.”
Background of the Case
Priyanshi’s parents, daily wage workers from Gondia, had brought her to Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital for an eye evaluation procedure. Shortly after the procedure on May 18, the girl coughed up blood and was declared dead within hours. The parents filed a complaint with the city police, prompting the PMC to form an investigative committee.
Hospital's Response
In response to queries, the hospital administration stated that tests like X-ray, ECG, and 2D Echo are not performed unless specifically recommended. The statement said, “The patient was posted only for examination under anesthesia and not any surgery. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences and the American Society of Anesthesia do not recommend ECG, Echo, or chest X-ray for non-cardiac surgical procedures in children, unless specified. A pediatrician examined the patient and found her heart and lung function normal. She had previously undergone cataract surgery under general anesthesia, so there was no question of a bleeding disorder.”
Next Steps
Sassoon Medical Superintendent Dr. Yallapa Jadhav said, “At present, post-graduation exams for medical students are ongoing, and our senior doctors are busy. However, we have received the letter from the police to provide an expert opinion, and we will form a panel in the coming days.” The PMC will now forward the panel’s report to the state health department for further action.
