24 deaths in 24 hours at Maharashtra govt hospital sparks political row

12 new-born children were among the 24 patients who died at the Dr Shankarrao Chavan Government Hospital in Nanded.

The deaths of 24 patients, including 12 new-born children, within a span of 24 hours at a government hospital at Nanded in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra has sparked a major political row between the Eknath Shinde-led BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP dispensation and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi.

The incident was reported from the Dr Shankarrao Chavan Government Medical College and Hospital in Nanded, one of the important towns of Marathwada.

There are reports that the hospital is facing a shortage of medicines.

The Nanded hospital deaths come close on the heels of the August 2023 Thane incident when 18 people died in a span of 24 hours at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital (CSHM) at Kalwa, which neighbours the financial capital of Mumbai.

The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi has expressed concern over the development and has asked Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to initiate necessary steps.

“It is an unfortunate incident,” said Shinde.

The MVA also lashed out at state Health Minister Dr Tanaji Sawant over the incident.

“We have come across media reports that 24 patients have died in the government hospital. The government needs total cognizance of it. The patients have died of various causes. Some of the patients are critical,” said senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, who hails from Nanded.

“These deaths are certainly not coincidences. Each of these deaths needs to be thoroughly investigated. If there are so many deaths in one day, it is expected that the Chief Minister and the administration will order an immediate inquiry considering its seriousness,” said Baramati MP and NCP leader Supriya Sule.

“The carelessness and carelessness shown during the Thane incident is also visible this time,” she said, adding that there has been a shortage of medicine in the hospital.

While those who died include 12 neo-natals aged between one day to four days, the rest are adults.

“Twelve neo-natals have died, which include six males and six females, while another 12 adults died. Several of the patients have died of snake-bites,” said Dr Shyamrao Wakode from the Nanded Government Hospital.

He said that the hospital receives patients from an area spread up to 80 kms and time is an issue.

According to Chavan, around 70 patients, who are serious, have been sent to other hospitals.

“I spoke with the hospital staff. I was told that there is a shortage of nursing and medical staff, and certain equipment was not operational,” said Chavan.

Shiv Sena (UBT) Deputy Leader Sushma Andhare demanded the resignation of Dr Sawant from the post of Health Minister.

The hospital has a capacity of 500 patients, however, around 1,200 are currently admitted.