National Human Rights Commission (NHRC): While dealing with a petition highlighting the sorry state of affairs concerning the nutritional support for TB patients in the State of Andhra Pradesh, the Commission in its order dated 28-04-2023, directed the Government of Andhra Pradesh and Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to ensure the needful action and submit their “Action Taken Report” to the NHRC within six weeks.
The matter was brought before the NHRC by an advocate/human rights activist, who had filed pro bono petition seeking urgent attention of the NHRC towards the plight of TB patients in Andhra Pradesh.
The petitioner took note of a news item published in a prominent Telegu daily e-newspaper Enadu, titled “Poshakaharanikai Kshaya Badithula Nireekshana” where it was mentioned that about 22,554 tuberculosis patients are not getting the necessary nutrition in Andhra Pradesh due to which the situation is very pitiful, and this very reason is leading to several deaths.
Filing the instant petition under Human Rights Act, 1993, the petitioner also stated that TB mostly affects people within a productive age group, which results in pushing such patients further into the abyss of poverty, as they lose their significant working days due to illness.
The petitioner thus sought that the concerned authorities may pay due attention and take measures that the patients could get proper nutrition in order to achieve the objectives of ‘Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ conducted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
Taking note of the petitioner’s complaint, the NHRC directed the Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; Chief Secretary, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh and Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Dept. (Andhra Pradesh) to take necessary actions in this matter and present their report within 6 weeks.
[In re, Regarding failure of State Govt. to provide necessary nutrition to TB patients; Case No. 717/1/0/2023, Order dated 28-04-2023]
Advocates who appeared in this case :
Petitioner/Complainant- Y. Balachander Reddy, Advocate.
