Pune’s Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital has sparked widespread outrage after Tanisha Bhise, the pregnant wife of BJP MLC Amit Gorkhe’s personal assistant, Sushant Bhise, reportedly died due to the hospital's alleged refusal to admit her without an advance payment of ₹10 lakh. The case has raised serious questions about the hospital's policies and the state of healthcare ethics in India.
Tanisha Bhise, who was seven months pregnant with twins, experienced severe complications and was rushed to Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital. Despite her critical condition, the hospital allegedly demanded an upfront payment of ₹10 lakh for admission. The family, who had ₹2.5 lakh ready and offered an additional ₹3 lakh, claimed the hospital refused to begin treatment until the full amount was paid. Unable to secure admission, Tanisha was transferred to another hospital, where she gave birth to twins. Tragically, her condition worsened due to excessive bleeding, and she passed away on March 31.
BJP MLC Amit Gorkhe:
Gorkhe called the incident "deeply unfortunate" and accused the hospital of prioritising money over human life.
“Even a call from the Mantralaya was ignored. This is unacceptable,” he said in a statement.
Shiv Sena Leader Sushma Andhare:
Andhare condemned the hospital’s actions as inhumane, stating: “A woman lost her life due to negligence and greed. This must not go unpunished.”
Public Outrage:
Protests erupted outside the hospital premises, with demonstrators throwing coins at the nameplate and demanding accountability.
Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital has denied the allegations, claiming that Tanisha Bhise’s pregnancy was categorised as high-risk and that she had been advised regular check-ups, which were not followed. In an official statement, Dr. Dhananjay Kelkar, Medical Director of the hospital, said:
“The patient was under our care since 2020 and had received significant concessions under our charity policy.”
The hospital also announced an internal investigation into the matter.
Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar has ordered a detailed inquiry into the incident. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued a show-cause notice to Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital for allegedly violating healthcare protocols. The Maharashtra State Commission for Women has also taken cognizance of the case.
The Supreme Court mandates that no hospital can deny emergency treatment due to financial constraints. Pregnant women are entitled to free care under government health schemes like Arogya Yojana. This incident highlights growing concerns over how financial policies in private hospitals may override ethical obligations to save lives.
Tanisha Bhise’s tragic death has reignited debates about healthcare ethics and accessibility in India. As investigations continue, this case serves as a grim reminder of how systemic issues in healthcare can have devastating consequences for families. With public outrage mounting and political leaders demanding accountability, all eyes are now on whether justice will be served in this heartbreaking case.