An enquiry by the state government made on the direction of National Human Rights Commission revealed that a 10-month-old child died due to negligence of doctors and staff of District Government Hospital in Bahraich. The boy succumbed on August 9, 2016.
A release of NHRC issued on Wednesday claimed that the state government informed them that disciplinary action has been initiated against three doctors including the in-charge Chief Medical Officer, a Pediatrician EMO, who were prima facie found guilty. The services of a staff nurse and a contract sweeper have been terminated. Another staff nurse has been suspended and departmental action has been initiated against her and another staff nurse.
The Commission, taking on record the state government’s report, has observed that it was a clear case of violation of human rights of the child who lost life due to negligent officials. It has recommended that the state government pay monetary relief of Rs 1 lakh to the kin of the child.
As per material on record, a 10-month-old child, suffering from high fever, was brought to Children’s Ward at District Government Hospital in Bahraich. The nurse allegedly asked for money to get documents in order. The sweeper at the ward asked for a bribe to place the child on the bed and the next morning: a medical assistant came and asked for money for a crucial injection required for his treatment.
As per norms, the hospital does not charge for it. After a long argument, the injection was brought but unfortunately, before it could be administered, the child succumbed.
The Commission took suo motu cognizance of the incident on August 11, 2016 on the basis of media reports. Issuing a notice, the NHRC observed that the incident raised serious issue of violation of right to life of poor patients who approach government hospitals for treatment.
The government hospitals are approached by general public, especially the poor people, who cannot afford expensive treatment at private hospitals. Timely treatment in this case, could have saved a precious human life.
As per media reports, the father of the child is a labourer and he alleged that his child died due to delayed treatment as he could not bribe the staff. On the cnotrary, the Doctor-in-Charge at Bahraich District Hospital claimed that there was no delay in giving the injection.