NHRC notice to Delhi hospital for running without equipment

New Delhi, April 26 (IANS) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought a detailed report from Hindu Rao Hospital over allegations that one of the oldest and biggest hospitals here was operating without the necessary equipment.

Taking cognisance of a media report, the NHRC issued notices to the medical superintendent of the hospital as well as the North Delhi Municipal Corporation which runs it asking them to give a detailed report within four weeks. 

"Its Anesthesia Department is operating without monitors and boiling instruments. Even the blood pressure monitoring apparatus is not available, resulting in hardships to the poor patients. Reportedly, an amount of Rs 32 lakhs was sanctioned by the Standing Committee last year but the instruments have not yet been purchased," the NHRC said in a statement. 

"The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise serious issue of violation of human rights," it said. 

"Allegations about the pathetic condition of such a significant institution, indeed, indicate violation of Right to Health Care of general public," the statement added.