Five deaths in just six days: MBMC Hosp under scanner

The death of five young patients in less than a week last month at the Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) run-Bharat Ratna Pandit Bhimsen Joshi Hospital has not only sent shockwaves amongst the local populace, but has raised the issue of accountability of the authorities.

As per records, the series of mysterious deaths began on July 24 with the demise of Azad Ansari, 16, followed by three more casualties four days later, on July 28. The spate of casualties linked to fever, vomiting blood and diarrhoea did not end here, as another 15-year-old died while under treatment on Monday.

The kin of the deceased patients have alleged negligence by on-duty medical personnel, compounded by the lack of facilities for the death of their dear ones.

“My son, who complained of giddiness and vomiting, walked to the hospital, but immediately after being administered an injection, he started feeling more uneasy. Minutes later, we were informed he was dead. It is unbelievable,” said mother of the deceased Santosh Thaapa.

Blaming on-duty medical staff for negligence, activists of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena launched an agitation at the hospital on Wednesday to register their protest against the pathetic state of health care facilities provided by the administration.

Despite several attempts, medical officer Dr Pramod Padwal remained unreachable for comment. The civic administration, however, refuted accusations of medical negligence. In his official press release, deputy civic chief Dr Sambhaji Panpatte confirmed four deaths, of whom three were brought in dead, while the fourth patient could be saved despite dedicated efforts.