ED opposes ex-min’s plea for treatment at private hospital

ED’s affidavit said that doctors at JJ Hospital are wellequipped and qualified to perform the surgery, hence, Deshmukh need not be admitted to a private hospital

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has opposed the plea filed by former state home minister Anil Deshmukh seeking permission to avail medical treatment at a private hospital saying that he could undergo similar treatment at the staterun JJ Hospital.

The ED submitted its affidavit before the special court on Monday.

Deshmukh was arrested by the ED last November in an alleged money laundering case. He was subsequently arrested by the CBI this April in a corruption case. At present, he is in judicial custody.

According to the ED’s affidavit, the doctors who treated Deshmukh at JJ Hospital suggested that he required surgery for his shoulder, which needn’t be performed in an emergency. It added that doctors at JJ Hospital are wellequipped and qualified to perform the surgery and, hence, Deshmukh need not be admitted to a private hospital.

“It is further submitted that Dr Ankit Marfatia, expert arthroscopy surgeon and assistant professor of JJ Hospital, has performed 3035 shoulder related surgeries similar to that of the applicant (Deshmukh) and he has also done his specialisation in arthroscopy,” read the ED affidavit.

However, Deshmukh’s advocate Aniket Nikam argued that it was the NCP leader’s right to get medical treatment at a hospital and doctor of his choice. He added that Deshmukh’s shoulder problem has worsened after his fall in jail. Nikam said, “…He is a senior citizen, and hence during surgery, his heart condition will also have to be monitored.”

Further, Nikam contended that Deshmukh was willing to bear the expenses of the surgery and hence the ED cannot insist on him getting treated at a government hospital. The special court will pass an order on Deshmukh's plea on May 10.