Stray dogs menace in Cancer Hospital: NHRC issues notice to Odisha Govt, Cuttack Civic body

The NHRC took a serious view of the issue after as many as five patients were bitten by stray dogs inside the hospital premises during the last week, thus delaying their vital procedures like chemotherapy and radiation critical for cancer treatment, an official release issued on Thursday said.

Detailed reports have been sought within six weeks, the National Human Rights Commission said in a statement.

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The NHRC has issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Odisha, the Director, Acharya Harihar Post Graduate Institute of Cancer (AHPGIC), Cuttack, and the Commissioner, Cuttack Municipal Corporation seeking a detailed report within 6 weeks.

The notice also said that the reports should include the steps taken or proposed to be taken to deal with the stray dogs’ menace inside the AHPGIC Hospital and to ensure the safety of the patients as well as their attendants, inside the hospital premises.

The Commission has further observed that apparently, the hospital management has not been following the Charter of Patients’ Rights issued by the NHRC, which is not acceptable in a rule-based society.

“This provides for their right to safety and quality care according to standards that include a proper environment within the hospital premises having requisite cleanliness, infection control measures, and safe drinking water in accordance with BIS/FSSAI standards and sanitation facilities. Patients have a right to be attended to, treated, and cared for with due skill in a professional manner in complete consonance with the principles of medical ethics,” it added.

According to the media report carried on May 22, the 281-bed premier government cancer hospital witnesses a footfall of 700 to 1,000 patients daily. Dogs bite patients and their attendants and snatch food from them. Also, the dogs can be seen roaming freely in hospital wards. The media report especially cited the cases of two cancer patients who suffered dog bites on the hospital premises and as a result, their time-bound treatment for cancer was delayed, the statement said. 

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