NHRC Issues Notice Over Negligence in Care of Mentally Ill Patients

The NHRC has issued a notice to the Jharkhand government regarding alleged negligence in treating two mentally ill patients at a government hospital in Dhanbad. The patients were found lying unattended on the floor, sparking concerns about their right to life and dignity.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken a significant step by issuing a notice to the Jharkhand government following reports of severe negligence in the care of two mentally ill patients. These individuals were discovered lying unattended on the floor of a government-run hospital in Dhanbad.

A statement from the NHRC indicated that if the media reports are accurate, this situation represents a grave violation of the patients' right to life and dignity. The commission has taken 'suo motu cognisance' of the claims, highlighting that the mentally ill patients were not receiving any medical treatment at the Shaheed Nirmal Mahto Medical College Hospital in Dhanbad.

The media also published images showing the patients without clothes and neglected on the hospital floor. The hospital superintendent admitted to a lack of available doctors to treat mentally ill patients, acknowledging that staff resort to serving food in polythene bags.

In response, the NHRC has demanded a detailed report from the Jharkhand government within a week. This report should outline both the steps already taken and those proposed to enhance patient care and ensure their dignity is upheld. Furthermore, the NHRC seeks current information on the medical treatment provided to the affected patients.

A June 21 media report revealed that a temporary partition has been set up between high dependency units and geriatric wards, serving as a makeshift ward for abandoned patients. According to the hospital's medical superintendent, the situation is exacerbated by staff shortages and can only improve if NGO intervention occurs.