Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Friday remarked that the tragic death of a pregnant woman in Pune has cast a harsh spotlight on the deep-rooted flaws and lack of empathy within the public healthcare system. According to PTI, the woman was allegedly denied admission at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital due to an upfront demand for a deposit of Rs 10 lakh.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the State Family Welfare Building and Training Centre in Pune and the inauguration of 43 new 'Aapla Dawakhana' clinics, Pawar described the incident as "heart-wrenching" and one that has left an indelible scar on the conscience of society.