Pune: Three-Member Committee to Probe Sassoon Hospital’s Abandoned Patient Case
Pune, 20th November 2025: The Maharashtra government has ordered a detailed inquiry into the case of abandoned patient Prakash Purohit, following directions from Minister of State for Medical Education Madhuri Misal. A three-member committee has been appointed to conduct the probe and submit its report without delay.
According to an order issued by Anil Bhandari,
Commissioner, Medical Education, Research & AYUSH, the committee will examine the medical treatment given to the patient, the process followed for his rehabilitation, and the credentials of the NGO involved in his care.
The inquiry committee comprises:
Dr. Pallavi Sapale, Joint Director, Medical Education & Research, Mumbai – Chairperson
Dr. Sanjay Surase, Medical Superintendent, Sir J.J. Group of Hospitals, Mumbai – Member
Dr. Gajanan Chavan, Professor, Forensic Medicine, Sir J.J. Hospitals, Mumbai – Member
On 21 November 2025, the panel will visit Sassoon General Hospital, Pune, and later inspect the ASK Old Age Home operated by the Rugna Aadhar Foundation, where the patient had been rehabilitated. The committee has been tasked with verifying whether the NGO is registered and scrutinising all aspects related to the handling of patient Prakash Purohit.
According to the hospital, the 60-year-old patient was brought to Sassoon General Hospital’s Emergency Department by a 108 ambulance on 23 September 2024 with a left inter-trochanteric fracture of the femoral neck. His relatives reportedly left shortly after admission without providing details and made no contact during his 72-day hospital stay.
During his treatment period, the hospital administered medication, IV fluids, diagnostic tests, physiotherapy, nutritional support, and hygiene care. Once his condition stabilised and with no relatives traceable, the Medical Social Work (MSW) Department facilitated his rehabilitation. He was discharged on 4 December 2024 and shifted to the ASK Old Age Home as per government rules for abandoned medico-legal patients.
