Civil surgeon resigns in protest in Pune

A day after MLA Laxman Jagtap and staffers at Aundh Civil hospital clashed over issues raised by the politician, civil surgeon Dr VB More met health minister Suresh Shetty and health secretary TC Benjamin and tendered his resignation in protest.

“I cannot work under such a clout of terror. The MLA walks into our hospital any time on the pretext of inspection and starts abusing the staff and manhandling hospital property. My resignation was not accepted and I was assured of action by the health minister. They also told me that since a doctor from Yashwantrao Chavan Hospital run by Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation accompanied Jagtap, they would also institute an inquiry into his role,” said Dr More.

On Wednesday, MLA Laxman Jagtap and a few supporters allegedly created a ruckus at Aundh Civil Hospital by walking into the ICU and female wards alleging mismanagement and corruption besides throwing some chairs. Jagtap denied all the allegations and said he was merely arguing on facts.

On Thursday, Jagtap held another press conference when he invited reporters to take a tour of Aundh Civil Hospital. He said the ICU was in bad shape, dialysis machines were bought but not operated for weeks, barely a handful of X-rays were performed and occupancy rate was less than 30% thanks to mismanagement of hospital authorities.

“I have spoken to the health secretary and demanded an in-depth inquiry into my allegations. If there is no action against the civil surgeon, I will go on a hunger strike in the next few days,” said Jagtap.

Meanwhile PCMC commissioner Shrikar Pardeshi confirmed that the state government officials had asked the corporation to inquire why the civic medical officer accompanied Jagtap for inspecting the Aundh Civil Hospital.