03 October,2023 08:08 PM IST | Nanded | mid-day online correspondent
Screengrab of viral video/X
Amidst public outrage following the tragic Nanded hospital deaths--wherein 31 patients, including 12 infants died within a span of 48 hours--at the government hospital, Shiv Sena MP Hemant Patil has taken a bold and symbolic step. A video that has since gone viral shows Patil making the acting dean of the hospital, Dr SR Wakode, clean a dirty toilet and urinals, stated PTI report.
The Hingoli MP visited the Dr Shankarrao Chavan Government Medical College and Hospital in Nanded to assess the dire situation. In the video, Patil can be heard expressing his dismay over the unhygienic conditions, the lack of basic facilities, and the neglect evident in the hospital.
"You don't have simple mugs (in the toilet) and you shout at people who don't use toilets. Do you (doctors and the dean) behave similarly at your home?" questioned Patil. He then asked a doctor to fetch another bucket, pointing out the absence of essential cleaning equipment.
In the video, Patil is seen handing a broom to Acting Dean Wakode and supervising as he cleans the restroom and urinals.
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"The government spends crores, but I am pained to see the situation here. The toilets have not been cleaned for months. The toilets in the wards of the hospital are locked. No water is available in toilets," Patil was quoted lamenting.
According to the report, Patil emphasized his intention to request the Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, to initiate legal action against those responsible for the hospital's neglect, despite drawing salaries from the government.
Chief Minister Shinde has acknowledged the gravity of the situation and pledged a thorough inquiry. He has denied allegations of medicine and staff shortages at the Nanded hospital, reaffirming his commitment to taking appropriate action.
The tragic incident has sparked outrage and renewed discussions about the state of healthcare infrastructure and services in Maharashtra. Shiv Sena MP Hemant Patil's actions serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform and accountability in the healthcare system. As the investigation unfolds, there is a growing demand for comprehensive reforms and better oversight to prevent such tragedies in the future.
