Mumbai: In a tragic incident, 17 patients lost their lives within a span of 24 hours at the civic-run Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital in Thane's Kalwa. Maharashtra Health Minister Tanaji Sawant confirmed the distressing news, attributing the cause of death to the critical condition of the patients and their advanced age. The health minister stated that the hospital's dean has been instructed to provide a detailed report within two days regarding the circumstances surrounding the 17 deaths. Among these fatalities, 13 occurred in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). This incident follows the recent demise of five patients at the same hospital. Deputy Commissioner of Police Ganesh Gawde noted that while the average daily mortality rate at the hospital typically ranges from six to seven, the past 24 hours recorded an unusually high number of 17 deaths. The hospital's management emphasized that some patients had already arrived in critical condition and despite treatment, succumbed to their ailments. Additionally, age-related factors were also cited. To prevent any potential untoward incidents due to the elevated number of deaths, the police presence at the hospital has been heightened. Expressing his condolences, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Chief Sharad Pawar mourned the loss of lives and criticized the district administration for not taking timely action. He conveyed his sympathy to the bereaved families and called for improved vigilance to prevent such occurrences in the future. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital is a prominent medical facility in the area and has drawn attention from civic officials who are conducting an inspection of records to understand the circumstances leading to the tragic events. Controversy Escalates as Islamists Criticize Tej Pratap Yadav's Support for Elvish Yadav FIR Registered Against Congress Leaders' Social Media Accounts for Corruption Accusations Union Health Minister Counters Accusations, Emphasizes Development Focus in AIIMS Darbhanga Case