FIR against city doctor sparks anger among med fraternity

IMA, city doctors question police action against Dr Sushrut Ghaisas in death of 37-year-old woman

- Vicky Pathare

PUNE: The case filed against Pune-based Dr Sushrut Ghaisas for alleged medical negligence in the death of a 37-year-old woman, Tanisha alias Ishwari Sushant Bhise, has triggered anger within the city's medical community. Several doctors' groups, including the Indian Medical Association (IMA), have condemned the action, calling it 'unjust' and raising serious concerns over the handling of the case.

According to police, Bhise was allegedly denied emergency admission at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital (DMH) on March 28 after her family was unable to immediately pay a ₹10 lakh deposit. She was later shifted to Surya Hospital in Wakad, where she delivered twin girls via C-section on March 29. The woman was then moved to Manipal Hospital in Baner, where she passed away.

Following her death, the Alankar police sought an expert opinion from a panel at Sassoon General Hospital (SGH) and BJ Medical College (BJMC). The panel's initial report was submitted on April 17, but police returned it the next day, seeking clarification specifically on Dr Ghaisas's role. A revised report later alleged that the doctor displayed "insensitivity and medical negligence," contributing to the patient's death.

This sequence of events has raised questions within the medical fraternity.

"This was not an emergency case, but it was portrayed as one to register an FIR. The expert committee did not include a representative from the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC), which violates a 2016 government resolution," said Dr Sanjay Patil, national secretary, the Hospital Board of India, IMA.