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New Delhi : On the intervention of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Government of Uttar Pradesh has confirmed the reported allegations that a 10 month old child died due to medical apathy and negligence of the doctors and staff of the District Government Hospital, Bahraich, on August 9, 2016.
The UP government has informed that disciplinary action has been initiated against the three doctors including the incharge Chief Medical Officer and a Paediatrician, 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 report of the State Government, has observed that it is a clear case of violation of human rights of the child who lost life due to the negligent officials. It has recommended that the UP government pay monetary relief of Rs one lakh the next of kin of the child.
As per the material on record, a 10-month-old child, suffering from high fever, was brought to the Children’s Ward at the District Government Hospital, Bahraich. The nurse allegedly asked for money to get the documents in order. The sweeper of the Children’s Ward asked for the bribe to place the child on the bed and the next morning: a medical assistant came and asked for money for a crucial injection, which was required for the treatment of the child. The hospital, in fact, does not charge for it. After a long argument, the injection was brought but unfortunately, before it could be administered, the child succumbed to his illness, according to an NHRC release.
The Commission had taken suo motu cognizance of the incident on August 11 , 2016, on the basis of a media report. Issuing the notice, it had observed that the incident raises serious issue of violation of right to life of poor patients, who approach the government hospitals for treatment. According to the media report, the father of the child is a labourer. He had alleged that his child died due to delayed treatment as he could not bribe the hospital staff.