Pune: Missing OCT Machine Triggers Row at PMC-Run Medical College, Eye Patients Forced To Visit Sassoon Hospital
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 22nd November 2025: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is facing criticism for allegedly neglecting the Ophthalmology Department of the Bharatratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical College & Hospital (BAVMC) by failing to procure an essential Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) machine, even four years after the college was established.
BAVMC, a PMC-run medical college approved by the National Medical Commission (NMC) and set up in 2021–22, continues to refer a large number of eye patients to Sassoon General Hospital for OCT tests. This has caused inconvenience and delays, which activists describe as unnecessary hardship for patients who expect complete ophthalmic services at the municipal medical college.
Advocate and social activist Saleem Shaikh has written to the Municipal Commissioner urging immediate procurement of the OCT machine. In his letter, sent on November 21, he alleged that while PMC spends sizeable funds on “less important activities,” it cites non-availability of funds for essential medical equipment. Shaikh has also approached the NMC, the Urban Development Department, the Medical Education & Drugs Department, and the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS), questioning how the medical college received approval despite lacking critical diagnostic infrastructure. He said he is pursuing the matter “in the larger interest of eye patients.”
Responding to queries from Punekar News, PMC Additional Commissioner Pavneet Kaur provided clarifications on the issue:
On why the OCT machine has not been procured even after four years, Kaur said the MBBS curriculum as per NMC regulations does not mandate an OCT machine. The equipment is classified under superspeciality ophthalmic retinal services, which are required only for postgraduate courses. “Currently, only the MBBS course is offered at BAVMC,” she said.
On concerns regarding fund availability, Kaur stated that Kamala Nehru Hospital (KNH) is an established PMC hospital, and budget decisions for equipment cannot be made by the Medical Education Trust alone. “If required, PMC will make the budget available,” she said.
On whether BAVMC had sent any requests or reminders for the OCT machine, Kaur clarified that since the MBBS course does not require OCT equipment, “no such demand was given by the Medical Education Trust and the college to PMC.”
On allegations that patients are being forced to visit Sassoon Hospital, Kaur responded that Sassoon General Hospital and B. J. Medical College offer postgraduate and superspeciality courses and therefore have all mandatory equipment. “Patients receive free testing and can benefit from further superspeciality treatment,” she added.
On how BAVMC received NMC approval without an OCT machine, Kaur said MUHS conducts regular inspections and no deficiency related to OCT or other essential ophthalmic equipment has been reported. “All required ophthalmic equipment for the MBBS course is available,” she stated.
On whether PMC plans to procure an OCT machine, Kaur said procurement will be considered if the Medical Education Trust decides to introduce a superspeciality ophthalmology course.
On whether any internal inquiry has been initiated into alleged delays, Kaur confirmed that no such inquiry has been ordered.
