Pune: The recent death of Tanisha Bhise, a 37-year-old woman who was allegedly denied timely treatment at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, has triggered widespread public outrage and brought renewed focus on the hospital’s history and purpose.
According to reports, Bhise was initially brought to Deenanath Hospital but was not admitted immediately. Her family was reportedly asked to deposit a sum of ₹10 lakh before treatment could begin. Unable to arrange the amount, she was taken to Manipal Hospital, where she gave birth to twin daughters. She, however, passed away during treatment.
As protests and political reactions continue, attention has turned to the land on which the hospital stands.
Donor Family Breaks Silence
In an interview with ABP Majha, Chitrasen Khilare, son of late Bhausaheb Khilare, who donated the land for the hospital, spoke about the original intent behind the donation.
“In 1989, Lata Mangeshkar approached my father to help build a hospital in memory of her father, Deenanath Mangeshkar. My father offered land in Erandwane for this purpose,” said Chitrasen Khilare.
He clarified that the decision was discussed with then Chief Minister Sharad Pawar, and was driven purely by public interest, especially considering that most major hospitals were located in the eastern parts of Pune at the time.
“My father had earlier donated land for churches and colleges. The intention was always to serve the people,” he added.
Clarification on Ownership Claims
Chitrasen Khilare also addressed circulating messages questioning the ownership of the land.
“There is no dispute. The land was donated by our family for a hospital. The claims being circulated are baseless,” he said.
Call for Accountability
While distancing the family from the hospital’s current operations, Khilare expressed disappointment over the recent incident.
“The land was given so people could get life-saving care. If someone in critical condition is not treated on time, that defeats the very purpose,” he said.
He urged the authorities to ensure that the hospital lives up to its original mission of public service, saying,
“Our only request is that such tragedies never happen again.”
