Accountability Call: PMC Serves Stern Notice to Sutar Hospital Head

Well, it seems the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has really taken a stern stance, issuing a formal show-cause notice to Dr. Jaideep More, the Medical Superintendent at Sutar Hospital. This isn't just a casual reminder, mind you; it's a serious step prompted by a cascade of grievances from corporators concerning what they're calling outright negligence and glaring mismanagement at one of Pune's vital public healthcare institutions.

For quite some time now, concerns have been mounting. Corporators, acting on behalf of their constituents, have highlighted a laundry list of issues that, frankly, sound alarming for any hospital. We're talking about fundamental problems that directly impact patient care and safety. Picture this: reports of unhygienic conditions, a noticeable shortage of staff, and crucial medical equipment – yes, even the CT scan and X-ray machines – allegedly gathering dust because they're not functioning. And as if that weren't enough, there are complaints about a complete absence of security personnel and, believe it or not, a lack of water supply in the hospital's toilets.

Naturally, these aren't minor quibbles; they represent significant lapses in service and oversight. When patients visit a hospital, especially one meant to serve the community, they expect a basic standard of care, cleanliness, and operational efficiency. The alleged issues, ranging from basic sanitation to critical diagnostic tools being out of commission, point to a deeply troubling situation that simply can't be ignored.

The corporators, having reached their wit's end, had actually held a rather intense meeting with top PMC officials not too long ago. During that discussion, they made it abundantly clear: resolve these problems, or they would be forced to take more drastic measures, even threatening to lock up the hospital in protest. Such a threat, while extreme, underscores the sheer frustration and urgency they feel about the situation.

Now, with this show-cause notice in hand, Dr. More has a mere three days to provide a satisfactory explanation for the alleged shortcomings. It's a tight deadline, and the stakes are quite high. The PMC has made it clear that if his response isn't deemed acceptable, strict action will be taken. Sutar Hospital, after all, isn't just any facility; it's one of the largest under PMC's wing, providing affordable, often life-saving, care to countless Pune residents. Ensuring its proper functioning isn't just an administrative duty; it's a public health imperative.