Vellore: The Tamil Nadu State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has directed the state government to pay ₹5 lakh compensation to the husband of a woman who died due to alleged medical negligence at Mambakkam Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Vellore district.
Case Background
The incident dates back to August 5, 2019, when Jamuna, a pregnant woman, was admitted to Mambakkam PHC for delivery. She gave birth to a healthy baby boy the next morning, but complications arose when the placenta was not properly expelled. Despite attempts to manage the situation, Jamuna’s condition deteriorated, and she was shifted to Arni Government Hospital, Tiruvannamalai, where she was declared dead.
Inquiry Findings
A detailed probe by the Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine revealed critical lapses in medical care:
- Attending nurse Divya failed to follow proper medical procedures, leading to uterine inversion and fatal shock.
- Improper cord traction caused severe complications.
- Duty medical officer Boopalan was absent and not informed in time, delaying emergency intervention.
SHRC’s Stand
The commission, led by Justice V. Kannadasan, took suo motu cognizance of the case following media reports. The SHRC held that:
- While disciplinary action was taken against the responsible medical staff, the government remains accountable for negligence in a public healthcare facility.
- Citing a Madras High Court ruling, the commission underscored the constitutional right to life and timely medical care.
Government’s Responsibility
The SHRC has directed the Tamil Nadu government to pay ₹5 lakh as ex gratia to Jamuna’s husband within four weeks of receiving the order. The ruling reinforces the need for accountability in public healthcare services and adherence to strict medical protocols to prevent avoidable tragedies.
