Times of India, Aug 21, 2009
BHUBANESWAR: After dithering for months, the state government has finally decided to pay compensation of Rs 1 lakh to each of the 13 persons, who
had lost their eyesight, wholly or partially, following state-sponsored cataract operations at the Kalahandi district headquarter hospital at Bhawanipatna on January 22, 2007. The decision has been taken on compliance with a directive given by the National Human Rights Commission, official sources said here on Friday.
In an official communique, the state family and welfare department has asked Kalahandi collector to pay the compensation money from the Chief Minister Relief Fund (CMRF), after obtaining proper receipt from the beneficiaries.
The 13 victims Kamala Majhi (55), Sudra Majhi (65), Jilma Rana (54), Ratni Majhi (56), Kaikei Rana (55), Jagannath Majhi (58), Kunti Majhi (59), Hass Majhi (58), Basanti Majhi (58), Hadu Rana (58) Sriya Panda (80), Mura Jagat (56) and Madhu Rout (68) had lost their eyesight during a botched cataract operation. The government had earlier disbursed Rs 2,000 to each from the district Red Cross Fund and initiated departmental proceedings against the errant doctor and additional chief district medical officer of Kalahandi on grounds of negligence in duties.
However, human rights activist and lawyer Prabir Kumar Das had urged the NHRC, on grounds that the compensation paid by the state government was "highly inadequate".
"The NHRC took cognizance of my petition and has issued a showcause notice to the state government. Subsequently in November 2008, it ordered the government to pay compensation of Rs 1 lakh to each of the victims, who hailed from economically disadvantaged sections," Das said.
No comments:
Post a Comment