COVID Deaths: HC Directs Odisha Govt To Pay Rs 5L Compensation For Medical Negligence At VIMSAR-Burla

Cuttack: The Orissa High Court has directed the state government to provide compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to families of two deceased, and Rs 50,000 each to 11 others, who suffered due to negligence in the treatment of those infected by COVID-19 in Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR) at Burla, by May 2 on the basis of the report submitted by retired district judge ABS Naidu.

The Odisha government has also been asked to furnish a compliance report on the same day.

In July 2011, the HC had directed the retired district judge to examine the allegations mentioned in the email sent by Gyanadutta Chouhan on May 23 that year, highlighting lack of timely medical treatment of patients at the COVID facility of the hospital and insensitivity shown by doctors and paramedics to the victims.

The native of Bargarh district had filed nine affidavits of persons whose close relatives reportedly suffered on account of lack of treatment, ICUs and oxygen. He also urged for a court-monitored probe into these incidents and demanded action against the hospital authorities and the erring officials.

Also Read: VIMSAR ‘Medical Negligence’ Probe Can Open Pandora’s COVID Box In Odisha!

Prior to this, a three-member committed, which was constituted by Sambalpur collector on the court’s direction to investigate the veracity of the allegations, had given a clean chit to the hospital.

The HC, however, said: “VIMSAR is one of the premier medical institutions of the state catering to the medical needs of the population of western Odisha. It has to function in the manner befitting its status of providing the highest standard of care and treatment to everyone for that purpose. While during COVID-19 times all resources were indeed stretched and many medical personnel and nursing staff went beyond the call of duty to render tireless service, it is entirely possible that there were lapses. Whether this was for the reasons beyond the control of the doctors, nurses and staff of VIMSAR and whether it was avoidable, can properly be established only in a detailed enquiry.”

The inquiry officer was asked to conclude the probe within three months and submit a report by November 1.