Fri Apr 11 16:42:31 UTC 2025: ## IMA Condemns Violence Following Patient Death in Pune, Criticizes Overreach by Municipal Corporation
**Mumbai, April 11, 2025** – The Maharashtra chapter of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has strongly condemned the violence and vandalism that erupted following the death of a pregnant woman at a Pune hospital. The incident, which saw the Dinanath Mangeshkar Charitable Hospital and Ashwini Hospital targeted, occurred after allegations that the woman was denied admission.
While expressing sorrow over the patient’s death, Dr. Santosh Kadam, President of IMA Maharashtra, unequivocally denounced the subsequent mob attacks. He highlighted the decades-long service of Dr. Sushrut Ghaisas and his family at Ashwini Hospital, emphasizing that their legacy deserves respect, not retaliation.
Dr. Anil Avhad, Secretary of the IMA, Maharashtra, stated that initial reports suggest a deposit was requested, a standard practice in many private hospitals. He explained that consultants often have limited control over administrative decisions, including financial protocols. The IMA also criticized “irresponsible” public statements by political leaders, arguing that such remarks unfairly vilify the medical profession and sow distrust.
In response to the incident, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) issued notices to over 500 hospitals, prohibiting the collection of deposits. The IMA, while supporting the principle of prioritizing life over financial matters in emergencies, cautioned against blanket directives that could cripple the private healthcare system. The association clarified that while emergency services are routinely provided without upfront payments, elective procedures and long-term admissions often require a financial structure. Furthermore, they stressed the difference between charitable and private hospitals, noting the unfairness of conflating the two.
The IMA urged the PMC to review and withdraw the generalized notice, advocating for a more balanced policy developed in consultation with stakeholders. Dr. Kadam emphasized the crucial role of the private healthcare sector, which bears approximately 70% of the nation’s health burden, and called for a safe and supportive working environment for medical professionals, free from violence and political interference. The association appealed to the government to strengthen public and charitable healthcare infrastructure while allowing the private sector to operate responsibly and securely.
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