Pune: Now “No Deposit” Policy for Medical Emergencies at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital

Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Erandwane, 5th April 2025: In the wake of widespread outrage over the death of a pregnant woman allegedly denied treatment at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital due to non-payment, the hospital’s Medical Director, Dr. Dhananjay Kelkar, has issued an emotional letter addressing the public, admitting the need for introspection and announcing a major policy shift.

The controversy erupted after Tanisha (Ishwari) Bhise, wife of Sushant Bhise, personal assistant to BJP MLC Amit Gorkhe, was rushed to the hospital on March 28 for delivery. Her family claims that the hospital demanded ₹20 lakh upfront, later reduced to ₹10 lakh, but refused to admit her without payment. She was transferred to another hospital where she delivered twins and later died during treatment.

The case triggered political protests and public anger, with BJP women workers accusing hospital staff, particularly Dr. Sushrut Ghaisas, of negligence and ‘extortion’. The agitation escalated when a group of protesters vandalized a hospital owned by Dr. Ghaisas’ parents.

“Yesterday was a very dark and numbing day”
Amid growing criticism, Dr. Kelkar published a heartfelt letter defending the hospital’s legacy, expressing regret over the incident, and acknowledging the need for reform. “Yesterday was a very dark and numbing day in the history of Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital,” Dr. Kelkar wrote. “A group of angry protesters threw coins at our public relations officer (PRO), women activists vandalized a hospital owned by the family of one our doctors, and names of Lata Mangeshkar and Deenanath Mangeshkar were blackened—all in front of TV cameras.”

Calling the situation “shameful” and deeply painful for those associated with the hospital’s legacy, Kelkar stated, “God knows what effect it must have had on the minds of people who respect Lata Mangeshkar.”

Clash of idealism and business
Founded in 2001 with the inspiration of Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar, the hospital has long prided itself on transparency, low-cost care, and support for the underprivileged. Dr. Kelkar emphasized that Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital treats 85,000 inpatients and five lakh outpatients annually, offering subsidized or free services for those in need.

However, he acknowledged a hard truth. “While thinking about all this, one word flashed in all of our minds like lightning in the dark night—‘insensitivity’. That is, the clash of idealism or sensitivity in the framework of business.”

Though he insisted the hospital was not responsible for Tanisha Bhise’s death, Kelkar revealed that internal discussions had begun to re-evaluate hospital policies.

“Although it is wrong to link Deenanath Hospital directly to the unfortunate incident, we are investigating whether the hospital showed sensitivity towards the patient or not,” he said.

“No deposit” policy for emergencies starts today
In a significant decision, the hospital will now eliminate the advance payment requirement for all emergency cases, including maternity and pediatric care.

“Henceforth, no deposit will be taken from any patient in the emergency department—whether they come to the emergency room, delivery department or the children’s department,” Kelkar announced. “This decision is being implemented starting today.”

He added that earlier, deposits were introduced only due to rising treatment costs for complex surgeries, but admitted this needs to be re-examined in light of the latest incident.

“We are starting to put an end to this insensitivity,” Kelkar concluded, appealing to citizens and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to take note of the corrective measures.

Government probe underway
The Maharashtra government has already formed an inquiry committee to investigate the matter. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Health Minister Prakash Abitkar, and Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule have all assured that legal action will follow if wrongdoing is proven. NCP (Sharad Pawar) MP Supriya Sule has also demanded a thorough probe, calling the situation “a grave failure of the healthcare system.”