NHRC notice to UP govt over death of child due to delayed

The Uttar Pradesh government has been served a notice by the National Human Rights Commission over the death of a 10-month-old child due to alleged delayed treatment in a government hospital as the parents failed to pay bribe.
The Commission said the incident occurred on August 9 at the biggest government hospital in Bahraich district. The notice has been issued to the Principal Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare department and a report has been sought within four weeks.
Timely treatment in this case, could have saved a precious human life, NHRC said, adding that the incident raises serious issue of violation of right to life of poor patients, who cannot afford expensive treatment at private hospitals.

"According to the media report, a 10-month-old child was brought to the Children's Ward at the biggest government hospital in Bahraich, who was suffering from high fever.
"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," an official statement said.
After a long argument, the injection was brought but the child succumbed to his illness before it could be administered, it said.

"The doctor in-charge at the Bahraich district hospital has stated that there was no delay in giving the injection by the hospital. He has also stated that the sweeper, who demanded the bribe, has been removed and the concerned nurse has been transferred," the Commission said.