Pune: ‘Deenanath Hospital Built on Donated Land Meant to Save Lives’ – Khilare Family Breaks Silence
Erandwane, 8th April 2025: The tragic death of 37-year-old Tanisha Bhise after being allegedly denied timely medical treatment at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune has sparked widespread outrage. Amid ongoing protests and political reactions, the hospital’s origins and the land it occupies have come under public discussion.
Bhise was reportedly left without treatment for over five hours after her family was asked to deposit ₹10 lakh in advance. Unable to arrange the money in time, she was shifted to two other hospitals. She gave birth to twin daughters at Manipal Hospital but passed away during treatment.
As the incident continues to dominate headlines, questions have emerged about how the Deenanath Mangeshkar Foundation acquired the land for the hospital. Chitrasen Khilare, heir to the late Bhausaheb Khilare who donated the land, has come forward to clarify the background.
“Land Was Donated for Public Good,” Says Donor’s Heir
Speaking to ABP Majha, Chitrasen Khilare explained, “In 1989, Lata Mangeshkar approached my father, Bhausaheb Khilare, with a request to help establish a hospital in memory of her father, Deenanath Mangeshkar. My father, who was acquainted with Lata Mangeshkar, offered land in the Erandwane area.”
Khilare added that the proposal was also discussed with then Chief Minister Sharad Pawar. “At the time, most major hospitals were located in the eastern parts of Pune. My father believed that the western areas like Erandwane, Kothrud, and Aundh needed quality healthcare facilities. He had earlier donated land for churches and colleges. So when the idea of a hospital was proposed, he willingly agreed, thinking it would serve the public.”
He emphasized that the donation was purely philanthropic. “My father always believed that charity should be done quietly. He never sought recognition. When the Municipal Corporation asked for temple land during road widening, he agreed without hesitation. His decisions were always guided by public interest.”
Clarifies Misconceptions Over Land Ownership
Amid social media chatter and WhatsApp forwards, some confusion emerged suggesting that the land originally belonged to someone else. Clarifying this, Chitrasen Khilare said, “These are baseless claims. The Khilare family willingly gave the land for the hospital, and we stand by that decision even today.”
Calls for Accountability and Reform
Reflecting on the Tanisha Bhise case, Khilare expressed his disappointment. “What happened is deeply unfortunate. When someone comes in critical condition, the hospital’s first responsibility is to admit and begin treatment. That did not happen. We believe the inquiry will reveal the truth, but our hope is that such incidents never repeat.”
He added that the purpose behind donating the land must be upheld. “The land was given with the intention of serving people. Now, more than ever, it’s important to ensure the hospital fulfills that vision. It has been 34 years since we handed over the land. Our only request is that such tragedies do not occur again.”
