NHRC recommends Rs.4 lakh to the families of four new born babies who died due to medical negligence in Jamshedpur

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has recommended interim relief of rupees one lakh each to the next of kin of four new born babies, who died due to the medical negligence at Community Health Centre, Jugsalai, Jamshedpur on December 14, 2013.

It has asked the Chief Secretary, Government of Jharkhand to submit the compliance report along with the proof of payment within four weeks. The Commission took cognizance of the matter on the basis of a complaint dated the January 15, 2014.

On the basis of the material placed before it, the Commission found that the all the four new born babies were in good health at the time of birth at the Community Health Centre, Jugsalai late in the intervening night of 14th and 15th December, 2013. There was no doctor on duty as the 15th December, 2013 was Sunday and the Officer-in-Charge of the Community Health Centre had not prepared the Duty Chart. Baby Warmer was also not available at Community Health Centre.

The enquiry revealed that due to want of proper medical care, all the four new born babies died. The incident remained under the wraps till, on the fourth day on December 17, 2013, it was brought to the notice of the Civil Surgeon who conducted an enquiry. Departmental proceedings were underway against the erring Officer-in-Charge for the negligence.