Gurugram, April 24 – The Haryana government has issued a show cause notice to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram after a 46-year-old air hostess alleged she was sexually assaulted by a hospital staff member while on ventilator support earlier this month. The notice, issued on instructions from Health and Family Welfare Minister Arti Singh Rao, demands a response within five working days.
The incident reportedly occurred on April 6, a day after the woman was admitted following a health complication. She claimed in her April 14 police complaint that she was assaulted by a hospital technician while sedated and on ventilator support. The accused, 25-year-old Deepak from Badhuali village in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district, was arrested following a four-day manhunt.
Violation of Patients’ Rights Alleged
The show cause notice was served by Gurugram Civil Surgeon Dr Alka Singh, citing serious concerns under the Charter of Patients’ Rights and Responsibilities as defined in the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010. The notice noted violations under:
- Section 6: Protection of confidentiality, human dignity, and privacy during treatment.
- Section 7: Mandatory presence of a female staff member during the physical examination of a female patient by a male healthcare worker.
“In this case, both clauses appear to have been violated,” the notice stated, adding that the hospital is required to explain how such a breach occurred and what steps are being taken to prevent recurrence.
Hospital Cooperation and Investigation
Medanta Hospital has stated that it is “fully cooperating” with the ongoing investigation. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the case, comprising eight teams. Investigators reportedly scanned over 800 CCTV footages as part of their effort to establish the sequence of events.
The air hostess also claimed that two nurses were present during the alleged assault but did not intervene.
Public Reaction and Legal Ramifications
The case has drawn public outrage, raising serious concerns over patient safety and the accountability of private medical institutions. Legal experts suggest that, depending on the findings of both the police and the regulatory inquiry, the hospital could face penalties under the CEA Act, and its registration or licensing may be reviewed.
