Ventilator Failures Cost Newborn Life in Haryana

The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has mandated a thorough review of the state's neonatal emergency care system. This action was prompted by the reported death of a newborn in Hisar on July 1, who could not receive essential ventilator support for nearly 24 hours. The infant was transferred between multiple hospitals in Hisar and Rohtak districts without success.

The HHRC's directive, issued on July 7, seeks detailed reports from key health authorities by September 1. The commission cited the incident as a matter of grave public importance, suggesting possible systemic failures in Haryana's healthcare. These include inadequate critical care infrastructure, poor coordination among hospitals, and deficiencies in managing emergency referrals.

Reports indicated the Hisar civil hospital had only one operational neonatal ventilator, which was occupied. Despite proposals for additional units, they remained unsanctioned. The commission emphasized that referral decisions for critically ill patients must confirm the availability of necessary resources like ventilators and ICU/NICU beds.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) also took suo-moto cognizance on July 6, requesting a report from the Haryana chief secretary. The HHRC is specifically asking for the state's emergency neonatal referral policy and data on district-wise NICU and ventilator availability. It also seeks information on real-time monitoring systems for critical care resources.