The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought an action taken report (ATR) from the Director of the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), New Delhi to ensure justice to separated conjoined twins of Kandhamal, who are to be sent back to Odisha.
Acting on a petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer and social activist Radhakanta Tripathy, the NHRC has sought the report within four weeks.
The petition pointed out apprehension of health condition of Jaga and Kalia if sent back to Odisha from AIIMS. The 31-month-old kids have been kept under constant supervision at the AIIMS since they were admitted there. The twins, hailing from Milipada village in Kandhamal district, were separated in the heads in two phases in November 2017.
Tripathy mentioned that the State has arranged adequate funds for their treatment and, hence, they can be kept in AIIMS, New Delhi. As they are not fully fit, especially the condition of Kalia is not good, they should remain under treatment at the AIIMS, argued Tripathy.
He further mentioned that the State has not adequate treatment facility for such patients.
The twin’s parents wanted that the Odisha Government be asked the AIIMS authorities to keep Jaga and Kalia in the hospital for some more months until they are fully fit to be shifted, said Tripathy.
“Since both of them along with their parents have been here, their care seems to be all right. Once they get separated and sent back to Odisha, there will be threat to their lives,” apprehended Tripathy.
The facts and circumstances of the case also pose questions regarding right to health and basic human rights of not only of the kids but also of the entire family, Tripathy contended.
He requested the NHRC to direct the Director, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to ensure healthy stay of the twins with proper health check-ups with all possible care at AIIMS till they get fully fit.