Pune: District Collector Naval Kishor Ram on Wednesday (July 8) has sought a report in seven days regarding the recent death case of a 62-year-old woman from Gujar-Nimbalkarwadi, who was tested COVID-19 positive but was not admitted to the hospital due to shortage of beds and ventilators. Seeking cooperation from all villagers, Ram also assured the villagers that strict action will be taken against concerned officials if charges of dereliction in duty against them are found true. Ram clarified that there is no shortage of beds or ambulances and has appealed to his staff to work on 'mission mode' along with the villagers to combat the COVID-19 outbreak.
The deceased woman was identified to be COVID-19 positive eight days before she died. Villagers had alleged that she was asked by doctors and health officials to stay at home in isolation as there was a shortage of beds in hospitals. She was shifted to a hospital when her condition worsened, but a ventilator facility was not available at that hospital. Left unattended and devoid of essential healthcare facilities, the woman succumbed to the disease on July 4. Sakal Times had reported this incident on July 7, highlighting the situation of villages just outside the city limits and the lack of healthcare facilities in these villages.
District Collector Ram visited the village on Wednesday and assured them that all necessary precautions and steps will be taken to provide good healthcare facilities in the village. Ram also told the villagers that he has sought a report from his officials regarding the death of the woman and he will take a review in that case after seven days.
Later, Ram held a meeting with Sub Divisional Officer Sachin Baravkar, Tehsildar Sunil Koli, Block Development Officer Prashant Shirke, Village Head Vyankoji Khopade, Taluka Health Officer Dr Sachin Kharat, Medical officer Dr Dnyandeep Rajage and other officers.
District Collector suggested