Jaslok CEO rapped for being ‘rude’ to legislators

The legislative council on Wednesday summoned the chief executive officer of Jaslok Hospital and reprimanded him for his non-cooperative behaviour with the house committee reviewing whether the hospital was treating poor patients at concessional rates as per the government norms.

Manesh Masand was produced before the house accompanied by two security guards and was asked to stand in a dock specially brought in for the occasion.

Chairman Shivajirao Deshmukh said: “It is very sad that Masand did not cooperate with the committee members. I am warning him. If he repeats the behaviour in the future, he will have to face stringent action.” Deshmukh then asked the security personnel to take him away.

The breach of privilege motion was moved against Masand in 2008 following a complaint by the house committee.

The seven members of the committee said Masand refused to show them the details of the treatment to poor patients on January 16, 2008, when it was on an official visit.

He even ill-treated the committee members and engaged in a verbal dual with them, they said.

Masand admitted his mistake before the committee and even gave a written apology.

Terming this as a humiliation of council members, the Shiv Sena and the Congress demanded a breach of privilege motion against Masand.

On April 8, Deshmukh ruled that Masand be summoned and reprimanded for his behaviour.

According to the Bombay Public Trust Act, the charity hospitals have to treat poor patients either at a concessional rate or free of cost. Apart from Jaslok, PD Hinduja and Lilavati Hospital are also charity hospitals.