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By:

Dr. Abhilash Dawre

19 March 2025 at 5:18:41 pm

Closed OT, Negligence, Biased Inquiry

How my family was pushed into mental and financial trauma During my wife Vrushali’s pregnancy, I witnessed the apathy of the government hospital in Ulhasnagar. The hospital had two operation theatres, yet both were reportedly kept closed simultaneously. The modular operation theatre remained shut from August 21, 2024 to February 20, 2026 while the second operation theatre was also closed for renovation work for several months. I could not understand how a government maternity hospital could...

Closed OT, Negligence, Biased Inquiry

How my family was pushed into mental and financial trauma During my wife Vrushali’s pregnancy, I witnessed the apathy of the government hospital in Ulhasnagar. The hospital had two operation theatres, yet both were reportedly kept closed simultaneously. The modular operation theatre remained shut from August 21, 2024 to February 20, 2026 while the second operation theatre was also closed for renovation work for several months. I could not understand how a government maternity hospital could allow both operation theatres to remain non-functional at the same time, especially when pregnant women’s lives depend on emergency medical care. On February 12, my wife suddenly developed pregnancy-related complications, and I admitted her to the Government Maternity Hospital and Dispensary at Ulhasnagar-4. At that moment, all we wanted was proper treatment and safety for my wife and unborn child. While treatment was underway, I was informed that the heartbeat of our unborn baby had suddenly increased to nearly 200. The situation became extremely critical. Around 1:50 am, doctors told us that my wife was being referred to Thane as a “higher centre.” At that moment, I was shocked and confused. Ulhasnagar Central Hospital was barely around 2.5 kilometres away, yet no proper coordination or emergency arrangement was made there. I tried contacting Medical Superintendent Dr. Shashikant Dode for urgent help and guidance. Around 2 am, I made nearly 20 phone calls, but there was allegedly no response. Meanwhile, my wife was terrified. During her pregnancy, she had already experienced the difficulties caused by the closure of operation theatres, rude behaviour from nursing staff, negligence by doctors, and lack of facilities at the government hospital. Because of those experiences, she had developed deep fear and anxiety about being treated there again. She emotionally pleaded with us, saying “Please admit me to a private hospital. Do not take me back to a government hospital. My life and the life of my unborn child may be at risk, and because of negligence by doctors in the government hospital, both of us could lose our lives.” As a husband, hearing those words was heartbreaking. Looking at her mental condition and the situation around us, my family and I finally decided to shift her to a private hospital in Kalyan. At around 3:10 am on February 13, we admitted her there. Stable Condition After examination, doctors at the private hospital reportedly told us that my wife was stable. She received proper treatment, her condition improved, and she was discharged on February 14. That raised a major question in my mind: if my wife was stable, why was such an urgent midnight referral made? Why was our family pushed into panic, trauma, and financial burden? I strongly felt that patients were being referred elsewhere merely to avoid responsibility. After this incident, I decided not to remain silent. On February 15, I submitted written complaints to the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, Health Minister, Health Secretary, Health Commissioner, District Collector, Deputy Director of Health Services, and other senior authorities. An inquiry committee was formed on February 18, but during the inquiry process itself, I noticed several disturbing issues. People unrelated to the investigation were allegedly allowed to remain present during proceedings. This created serious doubts in my mind about the transparency and fairness of the inquiry. Later, on April 10, 2026, when I received the inquiry report, I was shocked to see that statements of several nurses were allegedly word-for-word identical. It appeared to me that the process had been conducted in a pre-planned manner. I also felt that since inquiry committee members and concerned officials had been working in the same district for years, the report was biased and aimed at protecting responsible doctors and nursing staff. Fresh Inquiry Because of these concerns, I raised formal objections against the first inquiry report on April 22. After that, a fresh two-member inquiry committee was constituted. However, during the inquiry conducted on May 12, one of the committee members, said to me “settle the matter and close the case.” Hearing this from a member of the inquiry committee itself deeply disturbed me. I immediately questioned how a fair and impartial investigation could be expected if committee members themselves were allegedly suggesting compromise instead of focusing on truth and accountability. To ensure transparency, I requested that the inquiry proceedings be conducted before CCTV cameras so that no false allegations or manipulation could happen later. However, the concerned members clearly stated that the inquiry would not be conducted “on camera.” This further strengthened my suspicion that attempts were being made to protect the accused officials. This fight is not only about my wife and unborn child. This fight is about every pregnant woman and every family that depends on the government healthcare system in times of emergency.

US Vice President JD Vance, his family arrive in Delhi

  • PTI
  • Apr 21, 2025
  • 2 min read


NEW DELHI: US Vice President J D Vance arrived here on Monday on a four-day visit to India against the backdrop of ongoing negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement between the two strategic partners to address a variety of issues, including tariff and market access.


Vance is accompanied by his Indian-origin wife Usha Chilukuri and their three children Ewan, Vivek, Mirabel and a delegation of senior US government officials.


The US Vice President and the Second Lady were received at the Palam air base by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.


The American leader was also accorded a ceremonial welcome on his arrival.

In the evening, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host a dinner for the Vances after holding wide-ranging talks with the US Vice President.


External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Indian ambassador to US Vinay Mohan Kwatra are expected to be part of the Indian team to be led by PM Modi at the talks.


The focus of the meeting is likely to be on early finalisation of the proposed bilateral trade pact as well as ways to boost overall trajectory of ties between the two countries.


Besides Delhi, Vance and his family will travel to Jaipur and Agra.

Vance's first visit to India comes weeks after US President Donald Trump imposed and then paused a sweeping tariff regime against around 60 countries, including India.


New Delhi and Washington are now holding negotiations to seal a bilateral trade agreement that is expected to address a variety of issues, including tariff and market access.


Vance and his family are scheduled to leave for Jaipur on Monday night.

In Delhi, the US Vice President and his family are staying at the ITC Maurya Sheraton hotel.


On April 22, the Vances will visit a number of historical sites in Jaipur, including the Amer Fort, also known as Amber Fort. The fort is a UNESCO world heritage site.


In the afternoon, the US Vice President is scheduled to address a gathering at the Rajasthan International Centre in Jaipur.


Vance is expected to delved into broader aspects of India-US relations under the Donald Trump administration during his speech that is expected to be attended by diplomats, foreign policy experts, Indian government officials and academia.


The US Vice President and his family will travel to Agra on the morning of April 23, people familiar with the matter said.


In Agra, they will visit the Taj Mahal and Shilpgram which is an open air emporium showcasing various Indian artefacts, they said.


After concluding their visit to Agra, the Vances will return to Jaipur on the second half of April 23.


The US Vice President and his family will depart for the US from Jaipur on April 24, according to the people cited above.

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