Shiv Sena MP Hemant Patil is facing severe backlash for compelling the acting dean of Dr. Shankarrao Chavan Government Medical College and Hospital in Nanded to clean a dirty toilet and urinals in the wake of a tragic event where 31 patients lost their lives within 48 hours.
A viral video depicted Patil handing a broom to Dr. S R Wakode, the acting dean, and making him clean the unsanitary facilities. Patil, who hails from the Hingoli constituency and belongs to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, was seen expressing dismay over the hospital’s dire hygiene conditions and a lack of maintenance.
As a result of this incident, an FIR was registered against Hemant Patil and 10-15 others. They are facing charges under Indian Penal Code sections 353 (assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from the discharge of their duty), 500 (defamation), and 506 (criminal intimidation), in addition to provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
This controversial incident occurred as Dr. Wakode was preparing for a minister’s inspection tour. Patil visited his office, and while en route to a ward, inquired to see the hospital’s restroom. Observing its deplorable condition, he allegedly compelled the dean to clean it.
The shocking video led to an immediate outcry from the medical community and the public, with many demanding swift action and accountability. The Maharashtra chapter of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, calling for a thorough investigation into the treatment of the acting dean and a deeper inquiry into the recent deaths at the Nanded hospital.
IMA (Maharashtra) President Dr. Ravindra Kute voiced concern about the hospital’s understaffing, especially considering the high patient load. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the fatalities and condemned the treatment of the medical college’s dean and head of department by the local politician.
The IMA’s memorandum warns of a statewide agitation if immediate action is not taken to address these pressing issues. The incident involving Hemant Patil has raised questions about the working conditions in government hospitals and the treatment of medical staff, bringing the need for reform and accountability into sharp focus.