The Yerawada Regional Mental Hospital (RMH) in Pune is currently under scrutiny for financial irregularities and human rights violations that have resulted in neglect of patient care. A committee appointed by the Public Health Department found that former Medical Superintendent Dr. Sunil Patil misused over Rs 1.24 crore in government funds through unauthorized purchases and inflated payments. Patients at the hospital were reportedly subjected to unhygienic conditions, cold water baths due to a malfunctioning solar heating system, and substandard food despite full payments to contractors. Additionally, 18 patients died after being transferred to private rehabilitation centers without valid justification between December 2023 and December 2024.
The committee, led by Dr. Prashant Wadikar, has recommended strict action against Dr. Patil and other officials involved, as well as the recovery of misused funds. The investigation, which covered transactions from 2017 to 2024, revealed widespread mismanagement and corruption at the RMH. The report has been submitted to the Maharashtra Government for further action to ensure patient welfare and address violations of their rights.
This news comes at a time when Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre in Bandra is facing its own scandal involving embezzlement of over Rs 1,250 crore by former trustees. A forensic audit has uncovered the alleged financial misconduct, leading to multiple FIRs and accusations of black magic rituals being performed on the hospital premises. The Economic Offences Wing is currently investigating the case, raising concerns about the state of the medical sector in Maharashtra.
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