Times of India
10 February 2011
By Vishakha.Sharma

Ahmednagar-based victim’s family alleges that the authorities refused to admit the 50-yr-old man
In a tragic incident, an orthopedic patient from Ahmednagar died on the Sassoon General Hospital premises after he was allegedly denied proper treatment by the hospital on Wednesday. The victim’s family alleged that the hospital staff refused to treat him and instead asked him to go home. The hospital authorities have launched a probe into the incident.

The patient, Sonyabapu Patole (50), who sustained injuries to his back after a fall in his house, initially underwent treatment at the Ahmednagar Civil Hospital. He was later referred to Sassoon Hospital for further treatment.

Narrating the incident to Pune Mirror, the patient’s cousin Sahebrao Sitaram Patole said, "Sonyabapu was admitted to the Ahmednagar Civil Hospital on February 5. After treating him for two-three days, the doctors referred him to Sassoon’s orthopedic department." "On February 8, we brought Sonyabapu to Sassoon, where the doctor took a few X-rays and told us that he was absolutely normal and he can be taken back home. The doctor also prescribed him a few medicines asking him to continue it for some days," Patole said.

As it was too late in the night, Sonyabapu’s family requested the doctor to admit the patient till the next morning. However, he allegedly refused to do so and asked them to leave the ward immediately.

"The doctor also did not bother to provide the patient with a stretcher. We were helpless and spent the night on the hospital premises," Patole said. On Wednesday morning around 4.30, Sonyabapu breathed his last due to unbearable pain. Later, his body was taken to Ahmednagar for the last rites.

When Pune Mirror spoke to Dr Renu Bharadwaj, dean of Sassoon Hospital, she said, "Sonyabapu’s Xrays showed no fracture which is why he was directed to the CMO for medicines. We are investigating into the allegations of the patient’s family. I have already set up an enquiry committee, which will submit its report within 48 hours. If there is a mistake on our side, we will take strict action against the erring staff."