KDMC Suspends Kalyan Hospital Worker for Putting Cardboard on Patient's Fractured Leg

The Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) has suspended a sanitation worker at the civic-run Rukminibai Hospital in Kalyan after he allegedly tied a piece of cardboard around a patient's fractured leg instead of applying a plaster cast when the patient's relatives refused to pay him ₹400.

The incident took place on Thursday around 4 pm and came to light after a video showing the patient with the cardboard support circulated widely on social media, prompting the civic administration to take swift disciplinary action.

According to civic officials, a 54-year-old patient arrived at Rukminibai Hospital after sustaining an injury to his left leg. The on-duty doctor diagnosed a fracture and advised that a plaster cast be applied to stabilize the limb. The patient was then taken to the changing room opposite the Accident Department for the procedure.

At the room, sanitation worker Mukesh Pandit allegedly demanded ₹400 from the patient's relatives to procure the materials needed for the cast. When the family refused to pay the bribe, Pandit reportedly placed a piece of cardboard around the injured leg rather than applying the required plaster cast.

Following public outrage over the viral video, KDMC Medical Health Officer Dr Deepa Shukla conducted an inquiry into the incident. The inquiry revealed that adequate plaster casting materials were already available in both the hospital and the Accident Department, invalidating any claim that funds were needed to buy supplies.

The inquiry further noted past complaints against Pandit regarding similar conduct, as well as recurring issues with unauthorized absenteeism and failing to report for duty on time.

The administration concluded that Pandit's actions constituted severe misconduct and dereliction of duty, causing disrepute to the civic body and the hospital. Consequently, Pandit was suspended with immediate effect under Rule 4 of the Maharashtra Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1979.

Dr Shukla stated that a formal departmental inquiry will also be carried out into Pandit's conduct, and further disciplinary steps will be taken based on its findings.