In the past 24 hours, Nanded Government Hospital and Medical College (GMCH) in Maharashtra have witnessed a concerning spike in fatalities, totaling 24, with a notable impact on infants, accounting for half of the reported deaths. Dr. Dilip Mhaisekar, Director of Medical Education and Research in Maharashtra, confirmed the distressing statistics, revealing that the infants were referred from local private hospitals.
Addressing the gravity of the situation, a three-member expert committee from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar has been swiftly established with a mandate to present its findings by 1 pm on Tuesday. Dr. Mhaisekar has taken a hands-on approach, personally visiting the hospital to assess the situation, PTI reported.
Former Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, expressing concern, disclosed that the dean of GMCH had communicated the distressing news. Of the 24 casualties, Chavan highlighted the vulnerability of 6-7 infants and some pregnant women. Additionally, approximately 70 patients are in critical condition, with some deaths attributed to unknown poisoning reasons.
Chavan urged the Eknath Shinde government to urgently allocate resources, both in terms of medical staff and funds, to address the overwhelming patient load at Nanded GMCH. He underscored the strain on medical personnel, citing the current admission of 1,200 patients despite the hospital's 500-bed capacity.
Furthermore, Chavan brought attention to the persisting issue of vacant positions following the transfer of nurses, coupled with a shortage of medical officers, as reported by the hospital dean. In a proactive suggestion, he proposed the involvement of private doctors, leaving the decision to the state government.
Responding to inquiries about the supply of medicines from the Haffkine Institute, Chavan professed ignorance regarding specific details. This alarming development in Nanded echoes a similar crisis in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital in Kalwa, Thane district, where 18 patients succumbed to health complications within a 24-hour span between August 12 and 13, prompting widespread concern across the state.
