Ambernath: Administrative lapses at Government Chhaya Sub-District Hospital, Ambernath were exposed after the body of a 65-year-old man reportedly remained inside an ambulance for nearly two to three hours due to the absence of an autopsy assistant. The delay was attributed to a contractual worker’s refusal to report for duty over alleged unpaid and incomplete wages.

The deceased, who lived in the Ordnance Factory area, had died two days earlier. As the body began decomposing and a foul smell spread through the neighbourhood, police reached the spot, took custody of the body and transported it to Chhaya Hospital for a post-mortem examination. However, the procedure could not begin immediately because the required staff member was unavailable.

No permanent staff for Autopsy Services

Despite the opening of the hospital’s autopsy facility after years of follow-up, permanent staff have reportedly not been appointed for the service. Although seven doctors are currently posted at the hospital, autopsy procedures remain dependent on contractual arrangements. A retired employee has reportedly been engaged for the work.

The incident has triggered questions about staffing arrangements and the timely payment of contract workers. Local MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde and MLA Dr. Balaji Kinikar both have medical backgrounds, adding to public concerns over the continued difficulties faced by the hospital.

Activist’s intervention ensures post-mortem

Social activist Yash Jagale rushed to the hospital after learning that the body had been left waiting in the ambulance. Following his intervention and confrontation with the administration, the contractual worker was called in, and the post-mortem examination was eventually completed.

Hospital medical officer Dr. Ram Patil said, “Responsibility for paying the contractual worker’s wages rested with the government-appointed contractor.”

Jagale demanded the immediate appointment of permanent staff for essential and sensitive services such as post-mortem examinations. He also called for timely payment of contractual workers’ wages and warned that an intense agitation would follow if the issues remained unresolved.

The incident has renewed demands for better staffing, accountability, and uninterrupted essential services at the government hospital.