The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that one of the biggest hospitals of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi is running without necessary equipments. Its Anesthesia Department is operating without monitors and boiling instruments. Even the blood pressure monitoring apparatus is not available, resulting in hardships to the poor patients. Reportedly, an amount of Rs. 32 Lakhs was sanctioned by the Standing Committee last year but the instruments have not yet been purchased.
The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise serious issue of violation of human rights. Accordingly, it has issued notices to the Commissioner, North Delhi Municipal Corporation and the Medical Superintendent, Hindu Rao Hospital, Delhi calling for a detailed report in the matter, within four weeks.
The Commission has also observed that the Right to Health is integral to Rights to Life and Dignity. The Hindu Rao hospital is considered as one of the oldest and biggest hospitals in Delhi. A large number of poor patients approach the hospital daily for health and medical care needs. Allegations about the pathetic condition of such a significant institution, indeed, indicate violation of Right to Health Care of general public.
