The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a show-cause notice to State Chief Secretary AP Padhi in connection with the death of a woman following delivery in Brahmagiri block of Puri district.
The NHRC directed Padhi to show cause as to why a compensation of Rs 3 lakh will not be paid to the nearest of kin of the deceased. Padhi has been given four weeks time to respond.
The directive of the commission came in response to a petition filed by civil society organisation Human Rights Watch secretary Sangita Swain on March 5, 2016. Swain had alleged that the woman, Sumitra Bhoi (25), died on March 4, 2016, as no ambulance was provided to her by the State Government.
The commission on January 31, 2018, had issued summons to the Health and Family Welfare Department Secretary to appear in person along with the requisite report on March 14. In reply, the Health Department Secretary has sent a report dated on March 7 to the commission stating that the deceased was not properly counselled by the local MPHW(F).
The third child of the woman was delivered pre-term by an untrained local attendant at her home which had caused severe complication at placenta delivered after manipulation led to the suspected inversion of the uterus, PPH, shock and ultimately to the fatality of the patient, the report added.
After the preliminary inquiry, MPHW (F) Swarnlata Mohanty was placed under suspension for negligence in duties and disciplinary proceedings already been initiated against her.
Regarding the non-turning up of the ambulance, it is stated that there is no deliberate negligence on the part of the service provider on providing the ambulance to the deceased. However, the ambulance service could not be provided due to poor connectivity of the service provider in the area of the caller.