Pune: Expert Panel to Probe Death of Six-Year-Old Girl Following Eye Surgery at Deenanath Hospital
Pune, 5th June 2026: The death of a six-year-old girl following an eye surgery at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital will be investigated by a five-member expert committee constituted at Sassoon General Hospital.
The committee, headed by the Medical Superintendent of Sassoon General Hospital, comprises the heads of the Departments of Medicine, Ophthalmology, Pediatrics, and Forensic Medicine. It has been tasked with conducting a detailed inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
The girl underwent an eye-related surgical procedure at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital on May 18 but died later the same day. Her family subsequently alleged medical negligence and demanded action against those responsible.
Following the incident, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) constituted a five-member inquiry committee on May 22. The committee submitted its preliminary report on June 1 and recommended that a detailed investigation be conducted by an expert panel under the supervision of Sassoon General Hospital.
According to the preliminary report, the committee examined whether all necessary pre-operative tests had been conducted before the surgery. It also noted that post-operative findings indicated the possibility of the child suffering from a bleeding disorder. The panel held discussions with the specialists involved in her treatment but was unable to determine the exact cause of death due to the unavailability of the post-mortem report.
“The inquiry committee has been constituted and will examine the treatment records from Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, the patient’s previous medical history, and the post-mortem report. Once the investigation is completed, the report will be submitted to Alankar Police Station. The committee’s first meeting is scheduled for Friday,” said Dr. Yallappa Jadhav, Medical Superintendent of Sassoon General Hospital.
Officials said the expert panel’s findings are expected to determine whether there were any lapses in treatment and establish the precise cause of the child’s death.
