NHRC notice to the Bihar Chief Secretary over the reported death of a patient due to non-availability of oxygen at a PHC in Munger distric

Press release

National Human Rights Commission

New Delhi, 1st January, 2024

NHRC notice to the Bihar Chief Secretary over the reported death of a patient due to non-availability of oxygen at a PHC in Munger district

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that a heart patient lost life due to the non-availability of oxygen cylinders at the Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Munger district, Bihar. The incident reportedly happened on 26th December, 2023.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of human rights, which is a matter of concern. Accordingly, it has issued notice to the Chief Secretary, Government of Bihar calling for a detailed report within four weeks. The report should also include the status of the action taken against the accused as well as relief and rehabilitation provided to the Next of Kin of the deceased.

According to the media report, carried on 28th December, 2023, the doctor posted at the Emergency Ward of the health centre has alleged that the oxygen cylinder for the patient was not available, while, the In-charge Medical Officer has said that there is no scarcity of the oxygen cylinders.

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