Jail doctors to decide on Chhagan Bhujbal’s private hospital shift

Former deputy chief minister Chhagan Bhujbal was sent back to Arthur Road jail on Wednesday after being discharged from the state-run JJ hospital, where he was treated for 24 days.

The superintendent of Arthur Road jail has said doctors would first examine Bhujbal, who was arrested in a money-laundering case in March, to decide if he must be shifted to a private hospital to undergo tests.

The Asian Age had reported on Monday, that JJ Hospital dean Dr TP Lahane had written a letter to Arthur Road jail authorities, informing that the NCP leader needs to undergo a variety of cardiac tests for which he needs to be shifted to the Lilavati or Jaslok private hospital.

According to Dr Lahane, “Bhujbal was discharged and now jail authorities have to decide on performing the recommended tests. Bhujbal needs to undergo a Holter examination, a thallium scan and an electro-physiology evaluation. None of these tests can be performed at our hospital, as we do not have the required facilities.”

Arthur Road jail superintendent Harshad Aherao said, “Bhujbal reached our jail in the evening. We will provide the necessary medical treatment. Doctors discharged him. That itself proves his health condition is stable.”

On whether he will be shifted to a private hospital, Mr Aherao said, “Let our doctors observe if it is required that Bhujbal needs to undergo those tests at all in the first place. Our doctors will then suggest a suitable hospital where he can be shifted.”

Bhujbal’s lawyer R.B. Mokashi said, “If jail authorities deny him treatments in a private hospital, we will put an application before the honourable court to get him treated.”