Not the time for politics but govt has to act: Congress Ashok Chavan on Nanded hospital deaths

Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan said that several infrastructural issues led to the death of 24 patients, including 12 babies, in a period of 24 hours on October 2. Chavan even visited the hospital and reviewed the situation. The Congress leader said that 70 patients are in critical condition in the hospital and the state government needs to take a decision on a war footing to save their lives. Chavan said Dr. Shamrao Wakode, the hospital dean and District Surgeon Nilakant Bhosikar told him that the nurses were transferred but no new appointments were made to the vacant posts and there is also a huge shortage of doctors. He added that the hospital is facing a financial crisis due to non-approval of funds and because of that contracts for maintenance of CT scan machines and other equipment were not paid. Many machines were shut down due to lack of maintenance. Ashok Chavan said that while the capacity of the Nanded hospital is 500 patients, it is treating about 1,200 patients. ‘I have suggested to the administration that private doctors should be called for treatment of the 70 patients who are critical.’ He also had a discussion over the phone with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's office and asked for immediate action. Chavan added that it is not the time for politics so he will not indulge in a blamegame but added that government needs to act swiftly.