Compensation of Rs 4 lakh recommended for death of four new born babies due to absence of proper medical attention

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC): In a case concerning death of four new born babies due to absence of proper medical attention, NHRC recommended a compensation of rupees one lakh each to the next of kin of four new born babies. The matter relates to Community Health Centre, Jugsalai, Jamshedpur where during the intervening night of 14th – 15th December, 2013, four new born babies died due to medical negligence of the doctors and other staff members. Earlier, a complaint regarding the matter came up before the Commission, while in turn took cognizance of the case. After perusal of the material on record which included the enquiry report of the Civil Surgeon, Commission noted that all the four new born babies were in good health at the time of birth at the Community Health Centre, Jugsalai late in the intervening night of 14th & 15th December, 2013. There was no doctor on duty as the 15th December, 2013 was Sunday and the Officer-in-Charge of the Community Health Centre had not prepared the Duty Chart. Baby Warmer was also not available at Community Health Centre. The Commission further observed that due to the negligence of the doctors and unavailability of proper medical attention, babies died. The incident also remained unrelvealed till the fourth day i.e. December 17, 2013, on which date it was brought to the notice of the Civil Surgeon who conducted an enquiry in the case. It was also submitted before the Commission that departmental proceedings were underway against the erring Officer-in-Charge for the negligence. While rendering relief to relatives of the babies, Commission recommended a compensation of Rs.4 lakh in all four cases and also directed Chief Secretary, Government of Jharkhand to submit the compliance report along with the proof of payment within four weeks. [Source: nhrc.nic.in, Dated: January 12, 2016]