NHRC notice to Jharkhand for neglect in treatment of pregnant woman

National Human Rights Commission. | Photo credit: V. Sudershan

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Tuesday (September 10, 2024) informed the Jharkhand government about an incident in which a pregnant woman in labour was denied care for about 27 hours at MGM Hospital in Jamshedpur. The negligence resulted in the death of the child in the womb.

The woman was referred to the hospital by a local health center for better medical care, where she was reportedly forced to lie on the floor as no bed was available. As she did not receive treatment, her child died in the womb the next day. It was also reported that another woman who had given birth was treated on the floor.

The NHRC found that the incidents at the government hospital raised serious human rights violations and issued a notice to the Chief Secretary of the Government of Jharkhand asking him to submit a detailed report within two weeks.

The government was asked to include in the report details of the woman's health condition and availability of beds and other facilities in government hospitals. The report should also mention whether any compensation was paid to the aggrieved family.