The dire situation has brought the spotlight on healthcare challenges, calling for immediate action and accountability

NANDED: A Grim Occurrence unfolded at a government hospital in Nanded, Maharashtra, as at least 24 lives were lost, with a dozen of them being newborns aged between 2 to 4 days. The remaining casualties were adults, some reportedly affected by poisoning. Dr. Shankar Rao Chavan, affiliated with the Government Medical College and Hospital, confirmed these distressing numbers.

Although the hospital authorities have been reticent about the sudden spike in deaths, the opposition, particularly the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), has seized upon the tragedy to criticize the government's handling of healthcare. Demands for the dismissal or resignation of Health Minister Tanaji Sawant and heightened scrutiny of the situation have gained traction.

Dean of the hospital, S. Wakode, revealed that six male and six female children succumbed to various causes, while another 12 adults passed away, mainly due to snake bites. He disclosed the challenges the hospital faced in promptly securing appropriate medicines for patients due to budget constraints and logistical hurdles exacerbated by the influx of patients from distant locations.

Former chief minister and senior Congress leader of Nanded, Ashok Chavan, expressed concern about an additional 70 patients referred from private hospitals within the district, highlighting their critical condition. He emphasized the shortage of nursing and medical staff, malfunctioning equipment, and operational issues within various departments, deeming this a severe crisis.

Pointing to recent similar fatalities at a Thane hospital, Shiv Sena (UBT) deputy leader Sushma Andhare criticized Health Minister Sawant's effectiveness and called for accountability from the Chief Minister. Nationalist Congress Party MP Supriya Sule held the government responsible for the tragic loss of innocent lives, urging a thorough investigation. NCP Spokesman Vikas Lawande attributed the deaths to government negligence and inadequate medical supplies, expressing dissatisfaction over the prioritization of festivals and events over essential healthcare needs.