MP High Court Orders Private Hospital for Acid Attack Survivor After Fungus, Rats in Burn Ward
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has directed a private hospital to admit a four-year-old acid attack survivor and bear all medical expenses, after noting that the government hospital's burn ward had fungal infestation on the walls and rats scurrying around.
Justice Deepak Khot, hearing an interim application filed by the girl's guardian, observed that the burn ward was not properly equipped or maintained with hygiene. The court reviewed recent photographs showing fungal growth and rat cages placed at the site.
“Taking serious objections to the said report, counsel for the petitioner has shown recent photographs of the hospital to submit that the burn ward is not properly equipped and maintained with proper hygiene as it contains fungal infection on the walls, and there are even rats, for which cages are also kept at the site. The court has seen the photographs of the burn ward and also shown them to the counsel for the state,” the court observed on 24 June.
The court noted that if the survivor is not treated properly, it may result in sepsis, septic shock, and other clinical abnormalities. The order underscores the need for adequate medical infrastructure and hygiene in government hospitals, especially for vulnerable patients like acid attack survivors.
The child has been moved to the private hospital, where she will receive specialised care. The state government has been directed to ensure compliance with the order.
