A doctor attached to the Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial (YCM) Hospital in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Maharashtra, has been suspended following the emergence of a video that allegedly shows him participating in a drinking session inside the hospital's post-mortem room. The incident, which has triggered significant public concern regarding medical ethics and hospital discipline, occurred on Thursday night, leading to swift administrative action on Friday.
The doctor, identified as Dr. Vaibhav Avinash Mhaske, was reportedly on duty at the time of the incident. The sequence of events came to light after a member of the public, who had been waiting outside the hospital premises throughout the night to collect a death certificate, peered into the post-mortem area. According to reports, the citizen discovered the doctor in an intoxicated state, prompting them to record the scene on their mobile phone.
The resulting video, which subsequently went viral on social media, reportedly features a table inside the mortuary covered with food items and a bottle. This footage quickly drew condemnation from the public, leading to immediate scrutiny of the conduct of the medical staff involved. In response to the growing outrage, the civic administration initiated an investigation into the matter.
Additional Commissioner Kuldeep Jangam initially intervened by issuing notices to the doctor and the associated staff members, demanding a written explanation by the evening. However, recognizing the gravity of the allegations and the potential compromise to patient safety and hospital standards, Municipal Commissioner Vijay Suryavanshi escalated the matter. On Friday, the commissioner ordered the immediate suspension of Dr. Mhaske, citing clear violations of the Maharashtra Civil Services rules.
As part of the disciplinary proceedings, the municipal administration has confirmed that a formal chargesheet will be issued against Dr. Mhaske within 15 days. This will mark the commencement of a comprehensive departmental inquiry aimed at establishing the full extent of the misconduct. Throughout the duration of his suspension, the doctor has been strictly prohibited from leaving the Pimpri headquarters without prior official authorization. Furthermore, he has been barred from engaging in any other form of employment or commercial activity while the investigation remains active.
This incident has cast a spotlight on the broader issues of supervision and professional accountability within public healthcare facilities. Mortuaries are sensitive areas, yet families frequently find themselves waiting for extended periods to complete necessary formalities and secure essential documentation following the passing of a relative. The alleged presence of a drinking party in such a location has intensified calls for stricter enforcement of hospital protocols.
The administration has emphasized that the inquiry is essential to maintaining institutional integrity. While the investigation proceeds, the case serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities held by medical personnel, particularly those working in areas designated for the processing of sensitive documentation and post-mortem procedures. The civic body is expected to use the findings of the departmental probe to determine further administrative or legal steps against those involved, as the hospital seeks to address the lapse in discipline.
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