Pune 12th June 2025: Prof. Dr. Nitin Nagnath Abhiwant (age 42), Head of the Department of Psychiatry at Sassoon General Hospital, passed away on Monday (June 9) while trekking in the Buran Valley in the Himalayas. A native of Deodri village in Mohol taluka, Solapur district, Dr. Abhiwant suffered respiratory failure during the expedition and could not be revived despite immediate medical attention from fellow trekkers.

Dr. Abhiwant, who had been serving at Sassoon Hospital since 2014 after a five-year stint in Solapur, was known for his proactive approach and dedication to patient care. A passionate mountaineer since his college days, he had undertaken several trekking expeditions across forts and mountain ranges.

On Saturday (June 7), he had left Mumbai along with a group of college friends to embark on the Buran Ghati trek, which begins in Janglik, around 150 km from Shimla. The trek is known for its challenging ascents and descents, and usually takes 6 to 9 days to complete.

Tragedy struck just half an hour into the climb on Monday morning when Dr. Abhiwant began experiencing shortness of breath and heavy sweating. Two doctor friends in the group administered first aid and rushed him to the base camp hospital, but he had already passed away by the time they reached.

His sudden demise has come as a profound shock to his family, colleagues, and the entire staff at Sassoon Hospital. “Dr. Abhiwant made significant contributions to several national health initiatives and research. He was a brilliant, disciplined, and warm-hearted individual who supported many underprivileged patients,” said his colleague, Prof. Dr. Nitin Thorat.

Dean of Sassoon Hospital Dr. Eknath Pawar and Medical Superintendent Yalappa Jadhav also expressed deep grief over the loss of the esteemed psychiatrist and colleague.