NHRC takes suo-motu cognizance in an alleged case of medical negligence at LNJP Hospital, Delhi
New Delhi 13th April 2009
The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo-motu cognizance of a distressing news report that appeared in 'Mail Today' dated 30th March 2009 captioned "She needed surgery but was sent home".
The press report inter-alia mentions that one Sahana, who runs a boutique in East Delhi, accidentally fell over a sewing machine on March 20, as a result a needle pierced her leg. She was rushed to the emergency wing of the LNJP Hospital by her mother but there was no doctor. After waiting for two hours, a doctor came there and attended her. But with sheer negligence, the doctor said that she was alright and there was no need for X-ray. She was advised to visit OPD in case the pain persists. After two days, she visited OPD but again the doctor at OPD said that she was alright. She was prescribed some painkillers and returned back. When her mother insisted for medical tests, she was referred to the Orthopaedics Department. The doctor in the Orthopaedics wing, also refused to perform any test or X-ray and asked her to come after eight days, as there had been no senior doctor.
Her mother, after 4 days, again took her to the O.P.D. of the hospital, where an X-ray revealed a needle inside the bone. But the doctor in the hospital also sent her away with an advice to come after a week, although she had been in acute pain. On March 26, an NGO reportedly arranged for her operation at a renowned private hospital in the capital. She was operated on March 27th, 2009. The mother of the girl has reportedly stated that since she could not afford the treatment at a private hospital, she had rushed to the LNJP Hospital.
The contents of the press report, if true, raise serious issue of violation of human rights of the victim patient.
The Commission directed the Supdt. Of LNJP Hospital, New Delhi on 9th April 2009 to look into the allegations made in the press report and submit a factual report within 4 weeks from date of the receipt of the notice.
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The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo-motu cognizance of a distressing news report that appeared in 'Mail Today' dated 30th March 2009 captioned "She needed surgery but was sent home".
The press report inter-alia mentions that one Sahana, who runs a boutique in East Delhi, accidentally fell over a sewing machine on March 20, as a result a needle pierced her leg. She was rushed to the emergency wing of the LNJP Hospital by her mother but there was no doctor. After waiting for two hours, a doctor came there and attended her. But with sheer negligence, the doctor said that she was alright and there was no need for X-ray. She was advised to visit OPD in case the pain persists. After two days, she visited OPD but again the doctor at OPD said that she was alright. She was prescribed some painkillers and returned back. When her mother insisted for medical tests, she was referred to the Orthopaedics Department. The doctor in the Orthopaedics wing, also refused to perform any test or X-ray and asked her to come after eight days, as there had been no senior doctor.
Her mother, after 4 days, again took her to the O.P.D. of the hospital, where an X-ray revealed a needle inside the bone. But the doctor in the hospital also sent her away with an advice to come after a week, although she had been in acute pain. On March 26, an NGO reportedly arranged for her operation at a renowned private hospital in the capital. She was operated on March 27th, 2009. The mother of the girl has reportedly stated that since she could not afford the treatment at a private hospital, she had rushed to the LNJP Hospital.
The contents of the press report, if true, raise serious issue of violation of human rights of the victim patient.
The Commission directed the Supdt. Of LNJP Hospital, New Delhi on 9th April 2009 to look into the allegations made in the press report and submit a factual report within 4 weeks from date of the receipt of the notice.
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