NHRC Issues Notice to J&K Administration and DGP Over Woman’s Death in Hospital Lift Accident
Commission seeks detailed report on alleged negligence at super speciality hospital leading to fatal injuries
New Delhi, Nov 17: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Monday said it has issued notices to the Jammu and Kashmir administration and the Union Territory’s police chief over reported negligence at a super speciality hospital, which allegedly resulted in the death of a 58 year old woman due to a malfunctioning lift.
According to reports, the lift suddenly accelerated upward at high speed when the woman stepped inside, causing serious injuries. She was admitted to the ICU and struggled for five days before succumbing to her injuries.
The NHRC has taken suo motu cognisance of media reports highlighting the hospital authorities’ alleged failure to maintain the lift properly. In its statement, the commission noted that, if the reports are accurate, the incident raises serious concerns about potential violations of human rights.
The NHRC has directed the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police of Jammu and Kashmir to submit a detailed report within two weeks.
Media reports indicate that it took around 15 minutes to retrieve the woman from the lift. Her relatives alleged gross negligence on the part of the hospital, stating that no lift operator or security personnel were present, and no warning signs about the lift’s technical issues were displayed.
