Patient dies due to lack of oxygen: NHRC directs Bihar Govt to submit report in four weeks

Patna: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Bihar chief secretary over the death of a heart patient allegedly due to the non-availability of oxygen cylinders at a government health centre in Munger district. 

The NHRC said it has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report of the incident that reportedly happened on December 26.    

The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of human rights, which is a matter of concern.     

The report should also include the status of the action taken against the accused as well as relief and rehabilitation provided to the next of kin of the deceased, the notice said.          

According to the media report, carried on December 28, 2023, the doctor posted at the Emergency Ward of the health centre has alleged that the oxygen cylinder for the patient was not available, while, the In-charge Medical Officer has said that there is no scarcity of the oxygen cylinders.        

Medical Dialogues team had earlier reported that the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) had sought a complete report on the allegation of medical negligence, irregularities and poor administration at MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Odisha. The NHRC issued the reminder to the Principal Secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Odisha government, District Magistrate, Berhampur and Superintendent of Police, Berhampur to file an additional report in light of the complainant's comments, within four weeks.