Pune: Stop ‘Medical Tourism’ of Prisoners at Sassoon Hospital – Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar
Pune: Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar on Tuesday issued a directive to put an end to the so-called “medical tourism” involving prisoners admitted to Sassoon General Hospital. He emphasized that only essential and emergency medical treatment should be provided to inmates, not unnecessary or prolonged hospital stays under false pretenses.
Commissioner Kumar stated that inmates from Yerawada Jail including both undertrial and convicted prisoners are often admitted to Sassoon for treatment, but misuse the opportunity for ulterior motives. “Such malpractice will not be tolerated,” he warned.
The statement was made during the inauguration of the newly renovated police outpost at Sassoon Hospital. Also present were Joint Commissioner of Police Ranjankumar Sharma, Additional Commissioner of Crime Branch Pankaj Deshmukh, Additional CP Rajesh Bansode, DCPs Nikhil Pingale and Smartana Patil, Sassoon Hospital Superintendent Yellappa Jadhav, and PWD Engineer Kirti Kunjir.
Commissioner Kumar revealed that complaints have been received about certain habitual offenders residing at the hospital for extended periods under the guise of treatment. Some inmates even managed to escape while admitted. These incidents, he said, highlight the misuse of hospital resources and the lack of enforcement.
He further explained that known criminals’ relatives and associates frequently visit the hospital under the pretext of meeting them, turning it into a hub of unauthorized activity. With the new police outpost, he believes such abuse can be curbed. Any acts of misbehavior with medical staff, scuffles, or disorderly conduct within the hospital premises will now be met with immediate action. Even incidents of alcohol consumption in the hospital compound will be dealt with strictly.
Moreover, medico-legal documents such as postmortem reports and case papers for suicides, accidents, and unnatural deaths will now be swiftly routed to concerned police stations through this outpost.
MLA Sunil Kamble also addressed the gathering, stating that the new outpost would significantly reduce chaos and malpractice at Sassoon Hospital, ensuring better law and order.
Dedicated Officer and Resources for the Outpost
Sassoon Hospital, being the largest in Western Maharashtra, receives a high influx of patients, including many from outside the city. Due to this heavy footfall, the safety of doctors, patients, and their families has become a priority. Commissioner Kumar announced that an officer of Inspector rank will head the outpost, and dedicated manpower will be provided to maintain law and order effectively within the hospital campus.
