Maharashtra state chief Eknath Shinde has ordered an independent probe to investigate 18 deaths in 24 hours at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital in Thane district of Maharashtra on Sunday.
The investigative panel will be headed by the commissioner of health services and collector, the civic body chief, and the director of health services at the state-run JJ Hospital in Mumbai, as well as a civic surgeon.
While talking to the media, Thane Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar said that ten women and eight men have died, out of which six are from Thane city, four from Kalyan, three from Sahapur and one each from Bhiwandi, Ulhasnagar and Govandi.
He further said that one patient is from another region, while the last is unidentified. Twelve are above the age of 50.
The civic body commissioner said these deceased patients had complications of kidney stones, chronic paralysis, ulcers, pneumonia, kerosene poisoning, and septicemia.
Addressing the probe panel formed by the state chief, Bangar said that it will investigate the clinical aspect of the deaths.
“The line of treatment will be probed and statements of kin of the deceased etc. will be recorded. The committee will also investigate the allegations of negligence leveled by some kin,” he further added.
Following the news, the opposition Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) took aim at the state chief over the deaths.
NCP spokesperson Clyde Crasto demanded a detailed investigation into the matter and said that the "medical negligence" took place in the state chief's backyard.
“It goes to show Shinde is not paying attention to Thane and is probably so busy in breaking and forming governments that he has no time for his own people,” he further added.