Pune: PMC Issues Notice to Manipal Hospital Kharadi for Allegedly Withholding Deceased Patient’s Body

Kharadi, 7th May 2025: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has served a notice to Manipal Hospital in Kharadi following allegations that the hospital delayed the release of a deceased patient’s body due to an unpaid medical bill.

“We have sought an explanation from the hospital within 24 hours, as the reported conduct is a clear violation of healthcare norms,” said Dr. Nina Borade, PMC’s health officer, speaking to reporters on Tuesday.

In a statement, the hospital said, “We have received a notice from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) requesting the factual report and written explanation regarding the death of patient Rambhau Jadhav.
We are in the process of compiling the requested details and documents and the same will be submitted within the requested timelines.

At Manipal Hospitals, we express our deepest condolences to Rambhau Jadhav’s family during this incredibly difficult time and offer them our full support. We prioritize the dignity and rights of our patients and their families and remain dedicated to providing patient-centric care.

The controversy surfaced just days after a previous incident in Pune where a woman died after being denied admission to a private hospital. In this latest case, the family of 54-year-old Rambhau Jadhav—a farmer from rural Maharashtra—claimed that Manipal Hospital refused to hand over his body for nearly six hours after his death on May 6.

Jadhav had been admitted to the hospital on May 4 for an angioplasty procedure. According to his relative, Ganesh Kharpude, the hospital initially quoted a cost of ₹2.9 lakh but did not perform the angioplasty. “They instead inserted a temporary pacemaker, and unfortunately, he passed away at 7.30 a.m. on May 6,” Kharpude said.

Kharpude further alleged that the hospital initially presented a bill of ₹3.3 lakh and later reduced the amount to ₹1.75 lakh after discussions. “Despite repeated requests, the hospital administration refused to release the body unless we paid the revised amount. We pleaded with them to allow us to perform the last rites and assured them that we would arrange the funds within a few days,” he added.

The body was eventually released only after media intervention. “They handed over the body within 30 minutes of your call. We’ve managed to arrange ₹50,000 to pay immediately,” Kharpude told this correspondent.

In response, a spokesperson from Manipal Hospitals denied the allegation of intentionally withholding the body. “The patient was declared dead at 10:07 a.m. on May 6, and the body was handed over to the family at 4 p.m. after completing all required formalities and documentation,” the hospital said in a statement.

Expressing condolences to the bereaved family, the hospital added, “We at Manipal Hospitals handle such situations with professionalism and compassion, always keeping the patients and their families at the center of our care.”

PMC officials said further action would be based on the hospital’s formal response and any findings from the ongoing inquiry.