Political pressure mounts on Deenanath Mangeshkar hospital following girl’s death

Pune: Political parties have turned up the heat on Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, where a six-year-old girl died on Monday during a routine eye surgery. While the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena staged a protest outside the medical facility on Thursday, NCP (SP) MP Nilesh Lanke met the hospital authorities to demand strict action against those responsible.

The young girl passed away on May 18 during an eye procedure. Her relatives have since alleged medical negligence, prompting the hospital to launch an internal inquiry.

The Pune police have referred the case to an expert committee at Sassoon General Hospital to determine if clinical negligence occurred. Meanwhile, political outfits are increasing pressure on both the hospital management and the state govt to expedite the investigation.

Ahmednagar (Ahilyanagar) MP Nilesh Lanke visited the hospital on Wednesday night to discuss the matter with the administration. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Lanke said, “While the hospital has formed its own committee, I have spoken to state health minister Prakash Abitkar to demand a speedy and impartial investigation. This is reportedly the second such fatality involving this hospital. I intend to raise this issue during the upcoming Parliament session to demand stricter regulations and accountability for medical negligence.”

On Thursday, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) workers gathered outside the hospital gates, shouting slogans and demanding justice for the bereaved family.

The hospital maintains that it is cooperating with the authorities and awaits the findings of the medical board.