“The Pessimist Sees Difficulty In Every Opportunity. The Optimist Sees Opportunity In Every Difficulty.”

Khanna’s letter also referred to a tragedy in Thane municipal corporation’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Memorial Hospital in Kalwa. In August this year, 18 patients had perished within 24 hours. Khanna pointed out that the primary cause for these deaths was a shortage of beds, doctors, and essential medicines. He told the court  that such a situation was a violation of Article 21 (Right to life) of the Constitution. The matter will come up before the HC soon.

Maharashtra’s medical education minister Hasan Mushrif admitted before the media that the resident doctors at the hospital were overworked due to staffcrunch. In fact, he indicated that there is a shortage of doctors at all the medical colleges in the state. Before undertaking regular recruitment for government posts, some posts can be filled up on a contract basis, he has indicated. Expectedly, he also announced that the deaths in the hospital would be thoroughly investigated and strict action taken against any staff lapses were established.

On the other hand, the hospital dean, Dr Shyamrao Wakode, and one of his colleagues are facing charges under IPC Section 304, which means culpable homicide. The government also has appointed a six-member inquiry committee to investigate the matter. All these procedures are bound to take time. Meanwhile, Wakode has explained that several patients are sent to his hospital from the hospitals in other districts such as Yavatmal, Latur, Parbhani and Hingoli.  Some come from neighbouring states, too. Sometimes they are brought in critical condition. When the number of patients in the hospital increases, the death number also goes up.  As far as the present tragedy is concerned, initially 24 deaths were reported within 24 hours. Subsequently, seven patients died and then six. Wakode has lamented that adding the numbers and creating sensation by alleging that the hospital’s inability to save patients is wrong.

But all is not right with the Nanded hospital. According to media reports, the authorities there failed to purchase medicines although Rs.4 crore was available for the purpose. Mushrif said that the inquiry will tell why the hospital authorities did not procure the necessary medicines. According to another report, several infants died since more than one new-born were kept in warmers although the rules stipulate that one kid must be kept in one warmer.

The red tape, too, has played a role in this and other tragedies. In March 2023, a Medical Goods Procurement Authority Act was enacted. The object is to establish a single-point agency for procurement and supply of certain medicines and equipment. Essential items for public hospitals and medical colleges were to be channeled through it. The purpose was to eliminate the delays in the procurement. Maharashtra’s public health minister Tanaji Sawant had then said that establishing the step would streamline and speed up the procurement and supply for government health bodies. It was hoped after this assurance that such an agency would ensure guaranteed and affordable access to medicines for the general public. Sawant’s assurance assumes great significance when the state government allocates over Rs 20,000 crore every year for medical purchases for all its departments.

At this point, the red tape hindered the process. The implementation of the Act was kept on hold owing to the delays caused due to the issues related to the formation of relevant committees, formation of the protocols and similar reasons. The result was that the tendering process started months afterwards. Under the procedure, around a couple of months for procurement and distribution required. Another set of obstacles were created in the distribution and delivery mechanism of the Haffkine Institute, which supplies the critical medicines. In all, some hospitals suffered due to lack of medicines. However, the Nanded hospital has a different story to tell.

In the midst of these development, a sordid incident has taken place. Hingoli’s member of parliament Hemant Patil is condemned by the medical fraternity after his compulsion to the Nanded hospital dean to clear toilets in the premises. The MP had stormed the government hospital along with his supporters and demanded explanation from the dean, Dr Shyamrao Wakode. Not satisfied by the response, Patil forced the dean to accompany him to visit various areas of the hospital. When he saw a filthy toilet, Patil made Wakode to clean it. Even while there is a wave of anger against the MP, the state government has filed a case against the dean and another doctor of the hospital for culpable homicide under IPC Section 304. On the other hand, a FIR has been lodged against Patil under the SC&ST Atrocity Prevention Act.

Doctors and medical staff in several government hospitals have condemned Patil’s behaviour.

Such violence, if not checked, can demoralize the government staff. Although the guilty must not go scot-free, the power to punish must be left with the government and courts. The outcome of the inquiry committee report will decide the further course of action in Maharashtra.