Times of India
16 February 2011
By Vishakha.Sharma

A patient from Ahmednagar had died in the hospital after he was allegedly denied timely treatment. Show–cause notices served on three ortho docs
The Sassoon General Hospital has served show–cause notices on a consulting medical officer and two other doctors for their alleged negligence in giving timely treatment to a patient from Ahmednagar who died on the hospital premises recently. The hospital dean Dr Rehu Bharadwaj issued the notices to the three doctors attached to the orthopedic department.

The patient Sonyabapu Patole, who sustained a back injury after a fall at his residence, was referred to Sassoon hospital last Wednesday. His family members alleged that despite their repeated pleas, the Sassoon doctors refused to admit him and instead asked them to take the patient back home.

Later, the hospital staff asked Patole’s relatives to get his X–ray done at the orthopedic department, where his report turned out to be normal. Following this, the hospital staff directed Patole to the casualty department for further treatment, but the ward boy admitted him to the OPD where he breathed his last. Patole’s relatives alleged that the negligence on the part of doctors resulted in his death.

Bharadwaj had formed an inquiry committee comprising Dr S S Thakur, Dr Kalpana Kelkar and Dr A S Nagraje to look into the matter. The probe committee found fault with the three doctors and recommended action against them.

The course tenure of all these doctors has been extended by six months and their service record of past two years will be examined. A show–cause notice has also been issued to the orthopedic lecturer and consulting medical officer.