Pregnant Woman’s Death Sparks Public Outrage in Pune; CM Orders High-Level Probe

Erandwane, 5th April 2025: The death of a pregnant woman, Ishwari (Tanisha) Bhise, allegedly due to the denial of timely treatment at Dinanath Mangeshkar Hospital, triggered widespread protests and political outcry across Pune on Friday. The incident has drawn the attention of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who has ordered a high-level inquiry headed by the Joint Charity Commissioner, while the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has served a notice to the hospital.

According to Bhise’s family, the hospital demanded ₹10 lakh in advance and refused to begin treatment until the amount was paid. Despite the family assuring payment later, the hospital allegedly did not admit her, forcing them to shift her to another hospital. The delay in medical intervention, they say, led to her death. The family has also produced a receipt as evidence of the demand.

The incident led to protests outside Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, with participation from relatives, political parties, social organizations, and civic groups demanding action. Tensions escalated further when protesters vandalized a hospital associated with Dr. Sushrut Ghaisas, who is related to the Mangeshkar Hospital administration.

In response to the allegations, the hospital appointed an internal expert committee, which denied any wrongdoing. “The patient and her family did not follow the doctor’s medical advice,” the committee stated. The hospital maintained that the family was asked to pay “whatever amount they could at the time,” and blamed the current allegations on resentment over being asked for money in advance.

Health Minister Prakash Abitkar also took serious note of the incident, forming an independent inquiry committee which has already visited the hospital and begun an investigation.

After being moved from Mangeshkar Hospital and undergoing a cesarean section at Surya Hospital, Ishwari Bhise was later transferred to Manipal Hospital, where she passed away on March 31. According to Manipal Hospital, she was suffering from severe preeclampsia, which caused heavy bleeding, a heart attack, and eventually, brain damage due to lack of oxygen.

“The patient was brought in a highly critical condition. While she was stabilized after the heart attack, her brain had already suffered irreversible damage. Despite multi-specialty efforts, we could not save her,” Manipal Hospital officials said.

Timeline of Events
March 28 (Morning): Ishwari Bhise was taken to Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital.
March 28 (Evening): She was shifted to Surya Hospital.
March 29 (Morning): Gave birth to twins via cesarean section.
Later that day: Her condition worsened; she was moved to Manipal Hospital.
March 31: She died during treatment at Manipal Hospital.

The findings of the high-level inquiry are expected to determine whether any negligence or wrongdoing occurred.