Maharashtra: Pune hospitals seek urgent diesel supply as power outages strain critical healthcare services

In a recent incident, a private hospital conducting surgery nearly ran out of diesel for its backup generator. While doctors continued the procedure, staff rushed to arrange fuel. Representation pic/istock

Frequent power outages across Pune district and restrictions on diesel supply in portable cans have placed several small and medium-sized private hospitals under severe strain. The Indian Medical Association (IMA), Pune Branch, has sought urgent intervention from the district administration.

Diesel hurdle

Hospital representatives said repeated power cuts over the past few days have forced them to rely heavily on diesel generators to run critical services. However, many petrol pumps have reportedly refused to dispense diesel into cans due to regulatory restrictions, making emergency fuel procurement difficult. In a recent incident, a private hospital conducting surgery nearly ran out of diesel for its backup generator. While doctors continued the procedure, staff rushed to arrange fuel, highlighting the risks posed by the situation. Patient risk Essential services such as ICUs, ventilators, dialysis units and operation theatres require uninterrupted power. Any delay in securing fuel during prolonged outages could affect patient care. Pune and surrounding areas have nearly 850 private hospitals with around 18,000-20,000 beds, including 2000-2500 ICU beds and 750-800 ventilators. While some large hospitals use CNG or PNG-based power systems, most small and medium-sized facilities depend on Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited power supply and diesel generators during outages.

Urgent appeal

Dr Sanjay Patil, president, the Hospital Board of India, Pune Branch, told mid-day that hospitals have complained about the unavailability of diesel in portable cans. He said a letter has been sent to Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi and that hospital associations will soon meet district officials to seek a practical solution.

Dr Sanjay Patil, president, the Hospital Board of India, Pune Branch

Patil said the Indian Medical Association Pune also spoke to Dhruv Ruparel, president of the Petrol Dealers Association, who acknowledged the concerns but noted that fuel stations must follow existing regulations. "The association has asked hospital organisations to submit a formal representation so that an appropriate mechanism can be worked out within the existing rules," he said.

In its letter, the IMA Pune branch, representing over 5100 doctors, warned that inadequate diesel access during power disruptions could affect patient care and urged the administration to ensure fuel availability for hospitals during emergencies. District Collector Jitendra Dudi was unavailable for comment.