NHRC Notice To Odisha Govt, Cuttack Civic Body Over Stray Dog Menace In Hospital

Bhubaneswar: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to Odisha government, administration of Acharya Harihar Post Graduate Institute of Cancer (AHPGIC), and Cuttack Municipal Corporation regarding the rise in incidents of stray dog bites on the hospital campus.

The rights panel has sought a detailed report on the matter in six weeks, outlining the steps taken or proposed to be taken to address the issue of stray dogs inside the AHPGIC Hospital and ensure the safety of patients and their attendants within the premises.

The NHRC issued the summon by taking suo motu cognisance of a media report that stray dogs are moving freely inside the hospital in Cuttack. Five patients were bitten by stray dogs within the hospital premises last week and this delayed their cancer treatment procedures such as chemotherapy and radiation.

These incidents, if true, are a violation of the patients’ human rights, the NHRC said.

“The hospital management appears to have been neglecting the Charter of Patients’ Rights issued by the commission, which is unacceptable. The Charter ensures patients’ rights to safety and quality care, including a clean and hygienic hospital environment, infection control measures, safe drinking water, and proper sanitation facilities as per the standards set by BIS/FSSAI. Patients have the right to be treated with skill and professionalism in accordance with medical ethics principles,” it said.

The AHPGIC cancer hospital receives a daily footfall of 700 to 1,000 patients and dogs have been spotted freely roaming in the hospital wards.