Pune: A shocking case of corruption and mismanagement has surfaced at Yerawada Regional Mental Hospital (RMH), Pune, following an investigation by a five-member committee appointed by the Public Health Department. The committee’s report has revealed financial irregularities, patient neglect, and human rights violations at one of Maharashtra’s largest mental healthcare facilities.
Findings of the Investigation
The committee’s report has brought to light that former medical superintendent Dr. Sunil Patil engaged in:
Unauthorized purchases
Overpayment on procurements
Misuse of government funds in violation of financial regulations
Dr. Patil allegedly misused funds while purchasing:
Solar water heating systems for the de-addiction center
Linen fabric
Miscellaneous materials and medical equipment
These purchases were made in violation of the government’s industry department resolutions and procurement guidelines.
Impact on Patient Welfare
RMH is spread across 138 acres and has an indoor patient capacity of 2,540, but currently houses 992 patients. The investigation covering transactions from 2017 to 2024 has exposed serious mismanagement and corruption, which directly impacted the hospital’s essential services.
Key Issues Identified:
Poor hygiene and sanitation conditions for patients
Inadequate food supply
Unauthorized patient transfers to private rehabilitation centers
18 patient deaths reported between December 2023 and December 2024
Patients were found living in unsanitary conditions, forced to bathe in cold water, and given substandard food, all of which are violations of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017.
Action Recommended Against Officials
The committee recommended strict action against:
Former medical superintendent Dr. Sunil Patil
Administrative officers involved
Office superintendent and clerical staff
It also suggested recovering the misused government funds.
The investigation report was submitted to Deputy Director of Health Services, Dr. Radhakishan Pawar, on Wednesday. It confirmed that over ₹1.24 crore of government funds had been misappropriated, leading to deterioration in essential hospital services such as patient care, hygiene, and food supply.