PRESS RELEASE

New Delhi, Dated: 21st July, 2015

The National Human Rights Commission, taking a serious view of the pathetic condition of the patients awaiting treatment in Delhi Hospitals, as reported by media, has issued notices to the Secretary, Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and the Chief Secretary, Government of NCT of Delhi calling for reports on the steps being taken to address this precarious situation. They have been given four weeks' time to respond.

The Commission has noted the media reports' about the pathetic state of affairs that prevail in the ailing public healthcare system in the capital city of Delhi. It observed that it was not surprised by them but certainly shaken up with the shocking and agonizing tales of hundreds of patients waiting for the medical attention, some of whom are even, at the risk of death due to lack of timely medical care.

The Commission has further observed that the Right to Healthcare is a basic human rights and the State has the obligation to fulfill this right of citizens. It is an inseparable facet of Right to Life guaranteed under the Constitution of India. It is fully aware of the practical aspects and the difficulties encountered by the Government in discharging this constitutional obligation. In a city like Delhi with ever-growing population and people from all over the country thronging the city hospitals, overcrowding is a perennial problem.

Nevertheless, it cannot be a mute spectator, when such a large number of people face serious hardships and impediments in their struggle to realize their Right to Healthcare, waiting for their turn in front of hospitals, be it the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Dr. R.M.L. Hospital or any other hospital. Perhaps, the issue warrants urgent attention of the authorities at the highest levels.

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