BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has sought a detailed report on the death of a female patient after falling from an unprotected terrace on the second floor Nephrology ward of SCB Medical College and Hospital in the wee hours of Sunday.
Issuing notice to the State Government, the Commission bench comprising acting Chairperson Justice Bira Kishore Mishra has directed Secretary, Health and Family Welfare and Superintendent of SCBMCH to file their reports within three weeks.
A petition was filed by advocate Prabir Kumar Das alleging the death of the patient Arati Jhat of Dhenkanal district was caused by gross negligence of hospital authorities. He had prayed for a high-level inquiry for fixing responsibility and taking necessary punitive and remedial measures to avoid recurrence of such tragic incident.
Alleging that the narrow passage on the terrace connecting the Nephrology Ward to the adjoining building had no barricade or railing even if the toilet was located near it, the petitioner submitted that the woman would not have fallen and died if the safety measures were taken.
The State Government should be directed to pay compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the parents Kailash Jhat and Lakshmi Jhat of Karadabani village in Dhenkanal district. Besides, payment of compensation, the State Government should take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of patients, the petitioner submitted.
The woman patient was admitted to the Nephrology ward for treatment of kidney failure. She had reportedly gone out to the toilet at around 3 am on July 5 when she fell down to her death from the unsecured terrace passage. The passage was allegedly left open due to ongoing construction work.