The authorities at a government hospital in Nanded, Maharashtra, are facing serious allegations following the tragic deaths of 38 patients, including infants, which have sparked public outrage. The dean and head of the paediatric department of Dr Shankarao Chavan Government Medical College and Hospital have been charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder in connection with the death of a 22-year-old woman, Anjali Waghmare, and her newborn.
Anjali Waghmare was admitted to the hospital on September 30 and gave birth the following day. Initially, the family was told that it was a normal delivery, and both mother and baby were in good health. However, they were later informed that both were in critical condition. Anjali's father, Kamaji Mohan Tompe, expressed frustration that when he sought medical attention for his daughter and her child, the doctors were unavailable, and the dean kept him waiting, Hindustan Times reported.
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The family alleges that timely treatment could have saved Anjali and her child's lives. They also mentioned spending a significant amount on medications. Consequently, Shyamrao Wakode, the dean, and the head of the paediatric department have been charged under Sections 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 34 (common interest) of the Indian Penal Code.
In a related development, an FIR was filed against Hemant Patil, a Shiv Sena Parliament member, under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. He is accused of forcing Shyamrao Wakode to clean a toilet following the deaths at the hospital.
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There is a discrepancy between the family's claim that Anjali gave birth to a girl child and the hospital records stating that it was a boy. This discrepancy is among the concerns raised regarding the hospital's handling of the situation. Doctors have indicated that the newborn suffered from meconium aspiration syndrome, which resulted in a lack of oxygen and nutrients to the baby's brain and other organs before, during, or immediately after birth.
Anjali's husband, Manchak, mentioned that they initially took her to a primary healthcare center, and upon referral, to a sub-district hospital due to her worsening condition. Eventually, they ended up at Dr Shankarrao Chavan Government Medical College and Hospital.
A committee consisting of six members was established to investigate the deaths. Their report highlighted issues such as a shortage of resources and manpower at the hospital. According to the committee, many of the patients who passed away were referred from other hospitals in critical condition with multiple comorbidities. A significant number of the deceased were neonates on ventilator support. The Bombay High Court expressed skepticism about the reasons provided for the deaths and took suo motu cognizance of the matter.
