THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:The SC/ST Commission has sought an explanation from the Director of Health Services (DHS) on the non-filling up of vacancies at the Wayanad district hospital.
The clarification has been sought in the wake of the recent tragic incident in Wayanad where a tribal woman lost her triplets owing to medical negligence.
Anitha, wife of Krishnan at the Idathana Colony at Valad, Mananthavady, was refused treatment at the District Hospital citing absence of a gynecologist in the hospital. On her way to Kozhikode Medical College, she delivered triplets, but none survived. Judge P N Vijayakumar in his order observed that Anitha’ family was also denied ambulance service operated by the Scheduled Tribe Department.
She was taken to the hospital seated in a jeep even as the ambulance of the district hospital and a private ambulance was available, the Commission stated.
Based on the incident, the Commission also asked why the vacancies of doctors and para- medical staff are not being filled on time. It also sought response from the District Medical Officer on the hospitals in the district functioning without a free ambulance scheme for the SC/STs, and of hospitals which do not have allotment for the same. The panel also asked the ST promoter of Waynad to give a brief on the services being rendered by them in the district.
The reports should be submitted within a month. The next hearing will be heard on October 20, it stated.