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Pune, Maharashtra:
Pune district has witnessed a concerning rise in medical negligence cases, with a total of 192 incidents reported over the past five years, according to official data from the district-level expert committee at Sassoon General Hospital (SGH) and BJ Medical College (BJMC). The year 2023 marked the highest spike, recording 54 cases — the most in a single year during this period.
Growing Numbers and Ongoing Investigations
Between 2020 and April 2025, the expert committee confirmed negligence in all 192 reported cases. So far in 2025, seven cases have been reported, with three confirmed as medical negligence. In 2024, 50 cases were registered, including 46 from Pune and four from neighboring districts such as Satara, Ahmednagar, and Sangli.
Despite the increasing number of complaints, the committee highlighted significant delays in the inquiry process, with 112 cases still pending investigation. This backlog underscores the urgent need for expedited and transparent investigations to address public concerns and ensure accountability.
Committee Formation and Legal Trends
Investigation committees are constituted as per a 2010 Government Resolution, with 87 such committees formed since 2020 to probe alleged medical negligence in Pune district. Dr. Yallapa Jadhav, Medical Superintendent at SGH, explained, “The district-level committee is constituted to look into allegations of medical negligence against doctors prior to the registration of an FIR. Action by police or other authorities is taken based on the committee’s report.”
A recent medical journal published by Dr. DY Patil Vidyapeeth in 2024 noted a staggering 400% surge in medical negligence litigations in recent years. States like Punjab, West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu lead in such litigations, accounting for 24%, 17%, 16%, and 11% of cases respectively.
National Perspective
According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), over 1,000 criminal cases were registered against doctors for alleged negligence causing death between 2017 and 2022. Experts attribute this rise to increased public awareness of patient rights and the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), prompting more patients to seek legal remedies for perceived medical lapses.
The Road Ahead
The growing volume of cases and pending investigations present significant challenges for Pune’s healthcare system. As public awareness and legal scrutiny intensify, healthcare providers and authorities face mounting pressure to ensure patient safety, transparency, and timely resolution of complaints.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information reported by Medical Dialogues and official data from Sassoon General Hospital and BJ Medical College. The numbers and statements are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal or medical advice. For further details or case-specific queries, please refer to the original source or consult relevant authorities.
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