In response to the recent tragic incident involving the death of 31 patients at a state-run hospital in Maharashtra's Nanded district, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed his government's commitment to addressing the matter seriously. He assured that a comprehensive investigation would be conducted, and appropriate action would be taken against those found responsible.
Chief Minister Shinde, speaking to the press after a regular cabinet meeting in Mumbai, refuted claims of medicine and staff shortages at the hospital. He emphasized that there was an ample supply of medicines and a sufficient number of medical staff available.
The Dr. Shankarrao Chavan Government Medical College and Hospital in Nanded, located in central Maharashtra, recorded a total of 31 deaths within 48 hours from September 30, sparking a contentious debate with the opposition demanding an explanation from the government.
Chief Minister Shinde stated, "The deaths are indeed tragic. We take this incident very seriously, and a thorough inquiry has been initiated to determine the facts and take appropriate action."
He further added, "The hospital had an adequate stock of medicines, and there was no shortage of medical staff. Many of the deceased were elderly individuals with preexisting heart conditions, underweight infants, or victims of accidents."
Earlier, Nana Patole, the President of the Maharashtra Congress, called for a murder case to be registered against the state government in connection with the patient deaths. He alleged that the deaths were the result of government indifference.
Patole voiced his concerns, stating, "State-run hospitals have become places where people's lives are at risk. The deaths at hospitals in Nanded and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar are akin to homicides. The government should be charged under section 302 of the IPC."
He also criticized the Shinde-Fadnavis-Ajit Pawar government, claiming it was a disgrace to Maharashtra and had not learned from similar incidents, such as the deaths at the Kalwa hospital in Thane a few months ago.
According to official reports, a total of 31 patients, including 12 infants, lost their lives between September 30 and October 2 at the Dr. Shankarrao Chavan Government Medical College and Hospital in Nanded.
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