NHRC to publicly hear medical negligence cases

Mumbai
National Human Rights Commission has agreed to hear medical negligence cases against both government and private hospitals. The panel of experts will address such complaints at a two-day grievance redressal forum .Maharashtra Human Rights Commission Chairman S R Bannurmath said, “We’ve chalked out the agenda and shortlisted the cases. They would be thoroughly discussed in the two-day event. This is a rare initiative to protect human rights.”The event convenor and member of the JSA, Dr Leni Chaudhari, informed that about 125 complaints were filed against erring hospitals of Maharashtra,Gujarat and Rajasthan,Goa.”The victims of medical negligence, who run from pillar to post in the hope of justice, would finally get a platform to share their anguish with the NHRC Chairman and the heads of human rights panels of the four states,” Chaudhari said.At present, the patients having grievances against private hospitals go either to the courts or to the Consumer Forum, she said.A medical expert, commenting on the initiative, said, “It is a good move as the patient must be heard in case of negligence. However, the outcome should be impartial and fair to both the parties. Special care should be taken to prevent frivolous complaints against the healthcare professionals as it might hamper their professional standing.”