18 Patients Died In Government Hospital In A Day, Indian Authorities Launch Investigation

JAKARTA - Authorities in Maharashtra State, western India requested an investigation, after 18 patients died in a government-owned hospital within 24 hours.

The incident reportedly occurred at the Shivaji Maharaj Memorial Chhatrapati Hospital in Kalwa, Thane, about 25 km northeast of Mumbai. That's the only major tertiary medical center in the area.

More than 24 hours since Friday night, 18 patients at the hospital died, including 13 patients in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said the situation was unfortunate and his party had formed an independent investigative committee.

"The government has taken this incident very seriously and a committee will be appointed under the leadership of the Health Director, to conduct a thorough investigation. Actions will be taken in accordance with the report," Shinde said.

Twelve of the victims who died were over 50 years old. As for gender, officials said those who died consisted of 10 women and 8 men.

Separately, the patient's family accused the hospital of negligence, saying there was a lack of oxygen. They demanded the suspension of doctors and medical staff, and hoped for compensation from the government.

City Commissioner Thane Abhijit Bangar said several patients were referred to the hospital in critical condition.

"The patients experience complications of kidney stone, chronic paralysis, pneumonia and kerosene poisoning, among other conditions," he said.

"The treatment path will be investigated and statements from the families of the patients who died will be recorded," he continued.

"Some patients were referred to hospitals from other hospitals in critical condition," he said.

Meanwhile, five other patients died in the same hospital on August 10.