Pune, 10th August 2026: The Maharashtra Health Department has ordered a high-level inquiry into the equipment and expenditure related to the 50-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) established at Aundh District Hospital during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Pune Circle Health Deputy Director Dr Bhagwan Pawar has directed District Surgeon Dr Ambadas Devmane to conduct a detailed investigation and submit a report within seven days. The report must include relevant documents, evidence and a clear assessment of the matter.
The 300-bed district hospital has an approved 12-bed ICU. However, during the Covid-19 pandemic, the government provided funds to establish a modern 50-bed ICU at the hospital.
According to a complaint filed by health rights activist Sharad Shetty on July 27, only a few of the 50 ICU beds are currently operational. Questions have been raised over the whereabouts of the remaining equipment, including ventilators, patient monitors, oxygen-related equipment and other costly ICU medical equipment.
The complaint alleges that there is no clear information about where the equipment is currently located or who is using it. It has also raised concerns about possible misuse or wastage of public funds.
The complaint has sought the appointment of a high-level inquiry committee to physically verify all equipment purchased for the ICU and examine the expenditure incurred on the project.
It has also called for the expenditure details to be made public and for action against officials or employees found responsible for keeping the ICU non-functional. Disciplinary action, or criminal action if required, has also been sought.
The complaint further demands that adequate medical staff be appointed so that the ICU can be made fully operational.
Dr Pawar has instructed Dr Devmane to investigate the matter thoroughly and submit a self-explanatory report within seven days, along with all necessary evidence and documents.
The deputy director has also warned that any delay in the inquiry will be the responsibility of the district surgeon.
The inquiry is expected to establish the status of the ICU equipment, how the government funds were spent and why the 50-bed facility is not functioning at full capacity.
Health rights activist Sharad Shetty said, “The government provided funds to establish a 50-bed ICU at Aundh District Hospital during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the equipment is now reportedly missing or is not being used. I submitted a complaint to the Chief Minister and the Health Department seeking an inquiry into the matter. The Health Department has now ordered an investigation. It is important that the inquiry is conducted impartially and establishes the facts regarding the equipment and expenditure.”
