Fri Mar 28 11:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Unused Heart Testing Machines Gather Dust at Aundh District Hospital Amidst Accusations of Mismanagement
**Pune, India** – Two stress testing machines purchased for Aundh District Hospital (ADH) remain unused, sparking outrage from health activists who allege the purchases were a means to exhaust funds rather than improve patient care.
The machines, one funded through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic and another via the National Health Mission (NHM) in 2023-2024, have reportedly been gathering dust in the hospital’s COVID ward for over two years.
Sharad Shetty, a health activist, voiced strong criticism, stating, “These machines were meant to serve the public, especially those from rural areas who rely on ADH. Instead, they sit idle, forcing patients to seek care elsewhere, often at the overburdened Sassoon General Hospital.” Shetty alleges a lack of staff training as a contributing factor to the machines’ disuse and suspects the purchases were solely to deplete available funds.
Dr. Nagnath Yempalle, the civil surgeon at ADH, countered Shetty’s claims, asserting that the machines are indeed in use by cardiologists. However, he requested an additional day to provide data supporting his statement.
This discrepancy leaves the public questioning the hospital’s transparency and raises concerns about the efficient allocation of healthcare resources. The situation underscores the need for accountability and better oversight of public funds allocated for healthcare improvements. The lack of readily available data to verify the machines’ usage further fuels concerns regarding potential mismanagement.
First Piper 