5 deaths in one week puts hospital under scanner

Mumbai: The Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC)-run Bharat Ratna Pandit Bhimsen Joshi (Tembha) Hospital has come under the scanner following the deaths of five young patients over the past week. Local activists and the MNS have alleged negligence on the part of the corporation although the latter has denied all such claims.

As per hospital records, it started with the demise of Azad Ansari (16) on July 24 followed by the deaths of Upendra Yadav (17), Vivek Lad (23) and Santosh Thaapa (16) all on July 28. On July 31, another 15-year-old boy died while under treatment. Activists and the kin of the deceased patients have alleged lack of facilities and negligence on the part of on-duty medical personnel.

Late Santosh Thapa’s mother said, “My son, who complained of giddiness and vomiting, walked all the way to the hospital, but immediately after being administered an injection, started feeling even more uneasy. Minutes later, we were informed of his demise. It is unbelievable.”

MNS activists on Wednesday agitated at the hospital, putting the blame on poor quality of facilities and negligence on the part of on-duty medicos.

Despite several attempts, medical officer Dr Pramod Padwal remained unreachable for comment. The civic administration refuted allegations of negligence.