The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought an action taken report (ATR) from Health and Family Welfare secretary over the plight of 117 women who were subjected to family planning operation at Parjanga Health Centre in Dhenkanal district in January this year.
The apex human rights body passed this order while acting on a petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer and rights activist Radhakanta Tripathy. “Total 117 women have been operated in a sterilisation drive at the Parjanga Health Center. The Health Department has carelessly done the large-scale operation without adequate space, beds, safe drinking water,” the petitioner alleged.
The petitioner further alleged that the patients suffered immense pain due to such negligent attitude of the Government. The petitioner urged the commission to send the Special Rapporteur to visit the spot to assess the situation and submit a detailed report, besides to direct the Government to immediately ensure proper medical treatment to these patients free of cost and continue the same till all of them are out of danger and also to pay compensation.