CM Eknath Shinde calls Thane hospital deaths 'unfortunate,' action awaited

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde called the death of patients at a government hospital in Thane 'unfortunate' and said that a committee has been formed to investigate the matter. As many as 18 patients died at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Memorial Hospital in Thane's Kalwa within 48 hours, just three days after five fatalities. Speaking to reporters on August 13, Shinde said that the government is taking the matter very seriously and action will be taken according to the report that will be submitted by the committee. 

#ठाणे येथील कळवा विभागातील छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराज रुग्णालयात रुग्णांच्या मृत्यूची घटना अत्यंत वेदनादायी...

चौकशीसाठी समिती नेमणार...

छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराज रुग्णालय, ठाणे येथे झालेली रुग्णांच्या मृत्यूची घटना दुर्दैवी आणि वेदनादायी असून याबाबत सकाळीच माहिती घेतलेली आहे. व… pic.twitter.com/JyIrQ9kBYQ

— Eknath Shinde - एकनाथ शिंदे (@mieknathshinde) August 13, 2023

"The incident of death of patients at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital is unfortunate and painful and information about this was received in the morning itself. And instructions have been given to the health system," Shinde said. "The government has taken the incident very seriously and a committee will be appointed under the chairmanship of the Director of Health to conduct a thorough investigation. Action will be taken according to the report," he further said. 

Earlier today, Shinde was apprised of the deaths by Thane Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar and Maharashtra Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar and both said that some of the patients were admitted to the hospital in very critical condition. Shinde said that the deceased were admitted on separate days and had different types of diseases. 

"Health Minister Tanaji Sawant has also been spoken to about this very painful incident and Thane District Guardian Minister Shambhuraj Desai is in constant contact with the health system," Shinde told the reporters. 

Compensation only if deaths are natural

Speaking to Republic TV earlier today, Kesarkar said that the committee will determine the cause of death and compensation to the family of the deceased will be provided accordingly. He, however, clarified that the compensation will entail only natural deaths since eight of the 18 patients were admitted at a critical stage. Kesarkar asserted that the deaths were not caused due to lack of treatment claiming that the doctors tried their best to save as many lives as possible. 

The minister still assured that strict punishment will be given to those found guilty of negligence, which might have been one of the reasons behind the deaths.