Pune: Family Protests Outside Jehangir Hospital Over Rs 15 Lakh Bill; Body Released After Day-Long Standoff
Pune, 9th December 2024: A dramatic standoff unfolded outside Jehangir Hospital as the family of a deceased patient staged a hunger strike, alleging the hospital refused to release the body until a bill of ₹15 lakh was paid in full. The protest, which lasted an entire day, concluded late at night when the hospital finally released the body to the grieving relatives.
The deceased, a 35-year-old woman, had undergone a kidney transplant at Jehangir Hospital on November 28. However, instead of recovering, her health reportedly deteriorated, leading to her readmission. On December 7, she was shifted to the ICU and tragically passed away the following day.
According to the family, they had already spent their entire savings on her treatment and were unable to pay the additional ₹15 lakh the hospital allegedly demanded. Frustrated and heartbroken, the relatives began a hunger strike outside the hospital, seeking the release of the body and a resolution to their plight.
Jehangir Hospital, however, denied the allegations in an official statement. The administration asserted that all necessary procedures had been completed and the body was released without obstruction. The hospital also emphasized that every effort had been made to provide the best possible care to the patient.
