NHRC Probes Medical Negligence at Jharkhand Hospital Leading to Newborn's Death

The NHRC has initiated an investigation following a media report of a pregnant woman left untreated for 27 hours at MGM hospital in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, causing the death of her newborn. The NHRC has demanded a report on the situation from the Jharkhand government within two weeks.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report revealing that a pregnant woman in labor was neglected for about 27 hours at MGM hospital in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. Referred by a Community Health Centre for better medical care, she reportedly had to lie on the floor due to the unavailability of a bed, resulting in the death of her unborn child the next day.

The NHRC noted that the situation described in the media report potentially represented a severe violation of human rights. Consequently, the Commission has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary of Jharkhand, demanding a comprehensive report on the incident within two weeks. This report is to include details about the victim's health status, bed availability, and other facilities in government hospitals in the state.

The Commission further requested that the report address whether any compensation had been provided to the affected family. The demand for accountability comes as another woman, who recently gave birth, was also reportedly treated on the floor due to similar infrastructural inadequacies at the same hospital.

(With inputs from agencies.)