The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued summons to New Delhi Director General of Health Services (DGHS) to appear personally before it on January 1, 2018 for failure in replying over the deaths of some Odias by dengue caused due to the alleged negligence of New Delhi hospitals.
Taking seriously the non-responsive attitude of New Delhi DGHS, the NHRC decided to issue summons under Sections 13 of Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
Considering the petition and rejoinder filed by Supreme Court lawyer and rights activist Radhakanta Tripathy and the reports submitted by the hospital authorities, the NHRC passed the order.
Tripathy alleged that the victims died due to dengue as they did not get admission in the hospitals and treatment on time. The parents of one victim identified as Avinash had also committed suicide under grief of death of their son.
The other victim’s body was cremated in Delhi only and was not sent to his native place for funeral.
Tripathy also requested the NHRC to direct the Health and Family Welfare Secretary to conduct an inquiry in other cases as mentioned in the petition and take legal action against the errant officials and pay compensation of at least Rs 15 lakhs to the kin of three deceased, who lost their lives.
He also urged the commission to lodge an FIR for abetment of suicide against the hospital authorities and recommend steps to stop this inhuman attitude by them.