COVID-19 Pune: Body of patient cremated after being left inside ambulance for two days

Pune: In a dreadful incident, the body of a 40-year-old woman, who lost her life to the deadly COVID-19 infection was allegedly left in an ambulance for two days in Shirur which is 68 km from Pune before being finally unrestricted for final rites and cremation. The body of the COVID-19 patient was finally consigned to flames on Saturday (August 1) after a report confirming her of the infection came as late as in the afternoon itself. She succumbed on Thursday (July 30).

Now, the responsibility remains on the medical officials including doctors and other staff during such testing times in the district due to the spread of the coronavirus outbreak. However, there have been few incidents of nonchalance in approach by officials of the hospitals, in dealing with coronavirus patients, which has left the many in shock in the recent past.

Her relatives have suspected that the body was not released as per the protocol due to the report's late arrival. Also, the health department of the management allegedly performed its duty poorly when it comes to procedure. Thus, it became foreseeable for the family to go to the Shikrapur police to hinder and help them in the cremation process.

Naval Kishore Ram, Pune District Collector stated, “We have ordered an enquiry in this matter. The doctors have filed their say. According to them, COVID-19 test of the patient was to be conducted, and the patient was under observation in the ambulance. The patient was not neglected by the doctors. The final report of the enquiry committee is awaited and we will take appropriate action based on it.”