Embroiled in controversies over maladministration leading to infrastructural and service deficiencies, the embattled Acharya Harihar Regional Cancer Centre (AHRCC) has now come under judicial scanner for negligence in treatment.
Taking stern note of refusal to admit a patient, the Orissa High Court on Friday instructed the Director of AHRCC to take in a 14-year-old girl immediately and provide all necessary treatment to her at the cost of the State. A division bench of Chief Justice V Gopalagowda and Justice B K Mishra has also asked the Director to submit a status report on the condition of the girl and the treatment given to her on November 19.
The court on Friday admitted a petition filed by one Rabindranath Sahoo of Aska in Ganjam district alleging negligence in treatment to his 14-year-old daughter Jhumuri, who is suffering from advanced stage cancer.
The petitioner stated that he had brought Jhumuri to the hospital on November 8, but the doctors refused admission on the grounds that her cancer was in an advanced stage and her chance of survival was minimal. The doctors though advised the petitioner to put up in the Dharmasala on the hospital campus.
It was stated before the court that the petitioner was a poor man and did not have money even to pay the nominal charges of lodging in the Dharmasala. He had thus pleaded to the doctor to admit her. In spite of his repeated request, no one paid any heed, he alleged.
The petitioner Sahoo, while seeking admission into the hospital and starting her treatment, has also appealed to the court to direct the State Government to provide financial assistance to him through OSTF and other insurance schemes.