The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has ordered the State Government to pay compensation of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of a woman who died due to the transfusion of a wrong group of blood in June 2012.
The order came in response to a petition filed by eminent human rights activist and lawyer Prabir Kumar Das.
According to reports, Rajalaxmi,wife of Rajendra Barik of Panchutikiri viljage in Bhadrak District, died at the SCB Medical College Hospital, Cuttack on June 28, 2012 after she was given B+ blood instead of her own blood group A+ at the Bhadrak District Headquarters Hospital on May 4, 2012 during delivery. She was later shifted to the SCB Medical College hospital after her condition deteriorated. She died while under treatment there.
The NHRC took cognizance of the petition and directed that a notice be issued to the State Government through its Chief Secretary to show cause as to why the commission should not recommend monetary relief for the next of kin of the deceased.
However, as the Chief Secretary did not respond to the notice, the NHRC presumed that the Government had nothing to say in the matter and passed the final order.The Chief Secretary has been directed to submit the compliance report along with proof of payment within six weeks to the commission.