In response to allegations of a drug racket operating from Sassoon General Hospital in Pune, the state government has taken swift action by establishing a four-member committee tasked with probing the matter. This investigation follows revelations of drug-related activities involving inmates of Yerawada Central Jail who were admitted to the hospital for treatment.
The catalyst for this investigation emerged when Lalit Patil, a known drug racketeer, was found orchestrating his illegal drug trade from within the hospital during his incarceration at Yerawada Jail. Shockingly, Patil managed to escape from the hospital premises, raising serious concerns about the hospital’s security and the potential involvement of its staff in aiding illegal activities.
Furthermore, the incident shed light on a troubling pattern: individuals with relatively minor health issues were being admitted to the hospital for extended periods. Such admissions have raised suspicions of cooperation between hospital personnel and law enforcement officers, who may have facilitated the illicit activities of these inmates during their stay in the hospital.
To address these alarming allegations, the state government has assembled a team of experts to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation. Dr. Dilip Mhaisekar, the Director of Medical Education and Research Mumbai, will lead this four-member committee. His fellow committee members include Dr. Sudhir Deshmukh, the Dean of Government Medical College Solapur; Dr. Hemant Godbole, Professor and Head of Department at Government Medical College Nanded; and Dr. Eknath Pawar, Professor and Head of Department at Grant Government Medical College Mumbai.
The committee has been granted a 15-day timeline to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the matter. Their findings will be presented in a final report, which will play a crucial role in shedding light on the alleged drug racket and the involvement of hospital staff in facilitating illegal activities within the medical facility.
This swift governmental response underscores the commitment to maintaining the integrity and trustworthiness of healthcare institutions and upholding the law. The investigation’s results will not only provide clarity on the allegations but will also guide any necessary corrective actions to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future.
