Pune: FIR Filed Against Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital’s Dr Ghaisas over Death of Woman

Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Erandwane, 19th April 2025: Days after mounting pressure and public outrage over the death of Monali alias Ishwari Sushant Bhise (37), Pune Police have finally booked Dr. Sushrut Ghaisas of Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital for causing death due to negligence. However, police remain silent on whether any action will be taken against the hospital’s management.

Based on a complaint from her brother’s wife Priyanka Pate (26), an FIR was registered by Alankar Police Station under Section 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to causing death by negligence. The section states that anyone who causes death through a rash or negligent act not amounting to culpable homicide can face imprisonment of up to five years and a fine. If the act is committed by a registered medical practitioner during a medical procedure, the punishment may extend to two years and a fine.

Bhise was earlier advised against pregnancy as ovaries were removed. However, after treatment by Indira IVF in Viman Nagar, she conceived twins.

According to the complaint, Bhise was seven months pregnant when she had abdominal pain. Indira IVF doctors advised pre-mature delivery at a hospital where a NICU facility is available. Hence, Bhise was taken to Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital on March 28 around 9 am but was reportedly asked to deposit ₹10 lakh per child (total Rs 20 lakh) for admission. They had a discussion with Dr Ghaisas at the hospital. Though the family insisted on paying later and also got the Chief Minister’s office to intervene, the hospital did not admit her.

Around 2.30 pm, her family took her to Sassoon Hospital but looking at the condition of patients there, the family shifted to Surya Hospital in Wakad, where she gave birth to twins on March 29. Her condition deteriorated post-delivery, and she was later transferred to Manipal Hospital, Baner, where she died on March 31.

A panel of experts from Sassoon General Hospital, who reviewed the case, noted that Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital failed to follow “golden hour” emergency care protocols. Despite the critical situation, Dr. Ghaisas—reportedly adhering to hospital policy—insisted on an advance payment of ₹10 lakh before initiating treatment. The sum also included charges for keeping the premature newborns in the NICU.

While the FIR against Dr. Ghaisas marks a significant development in the case, families, activists, and citizens continue to demand accountability from the hospital administration for what they allege was a systemic failure that cost a young mother her life.