Financial Scam and Neglect Uncovered at Yerawada Mental Hospital, Rs 1.24 Crore Misappropriated
Yerawada, 13th March 2025: An investigation into the Yerawada Regional Mental Hospital (RMH) in Pune has uncovered severe financial irregularities and human rights violations, resulting in gross neglect of patient care. A five-member committee, appointed by the Public Health Department, found that former Medical Superintendent Dr. Sunil Patil misappropriated over Rs 1.24 crore in government funds through unauthorized purchases and inflated payments, violating financial regulations.
The committee, led by Dr. Prashant Wadikar, has recommended strict action against Dr. Patil and other officials involved, including the recovery of misused funds. The report revealed that patients were subjected to unhygienic conditions, forced to bathe in cold water due to a malfunctioning solar heating system, and served substandard food despite full payments to contractors. Between December 2023 and December 2024, 18 patients died after being transferred to private rehabilitation centers without valid justification.
RMH, spanning 138 acres with a capacity of 2,540 patients, currently houses 992 inmates. The investigation, covering transactions from 2017 to 2024, exposed widespread mismanagement and corruption that compromised essential hospital services. The report has been submitted to the Maharashtra Government for further action, stressing the urgent need to safeguard patient welfare and address violations of their rights.
This revelation comes amid ongoing issues at Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre in Bandra, which is embroiled in a massive embezzlement scandal. Former trustees are accused of siphoning off over Rs 1,250 crore, as revealed by a forensic audit. The scandal has led to multiple FIRs, with additional allegations of black magic rituals on the hospital premises, including the discovery of human remains and ritualistic items. The Economic Offences Wing is currently investigating the case.
These developments have sparked public concern over the state of the medical sector in Maharashtra.
