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Court Orders Private Hospital to Treat Acid Attack Survivor
3 Jul
Summary
- Court directs private hospital to admit and fund treatment for a four-year-old acid attack survivor.
- Government burn unit had fungal infections and rats, photos shown to court.
- Survivor's family has an Ayushman card for cashless treatment up to Rs 5 lakh.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has mandated that Bombay Hospital in Indore provide immediate admission and comprehensive medical treatment for a four-year-old acid attack survivor. This crucial intervention occurred after the court reviewed disturbing photographs showcasing a severe lack of hygiene in the government burn unit, including fungal growth on walls and the presence of rats.
The court's decision on June 24 emphasized the need for specialized care, noting the severe burn injuries sustained by the child and her six-year-old brother in an acid attack on May 29. Their initial treatment at a community health center was insufficient, leading to their discharge due to inadequate facilities.
Bombay Hospital is directed to maintain a separate account for the survivor's treatment costs, with reimbursement to be processed via her Ayushman card. The court further stipulated that if expenses exceed the insured amount, the district legal services authority secretary will cover the balance pending the petition's outcome.
The family's advocate cited Supreme Court guidelines, which obligate private hospitals to treat acid attack survivors without cost, covering all medical necessities including reconstructive surgery. The state has been issued notices for the remaining reliefs sought in the petition, returnable within seven working days.
