Tragic Incident Sparks Healthcare Reform in Bihar
The Patna High Court has taken decisive action to regulate healthcare facilities across Bihar following a heartbreaking case that claimed a young mother's life. The court intervention came after an infant girl lost her mother during treatment at an unregistered private hospital in Piro, Bhojpur district.
Court Directives and Government Response
A single bench of Justice Rajiv Roy issued significant directives while disposing of a criminal petition filed by Hari Shankar Pandit, also known as Dr Dilip Kumar, and his wife Phool Kumari, alias Dr Phul Kumari. The court ordered the state's health department to finalize regulatory guidelines for all hospitals in Bihar with a maximum of 40 beds within a reasonable timeframe.
The state government responded through an affidavit revealing that two high-level committees have been constituted for periodic inspection of all private and public clinical establishments across Bihar. These committees are headed by the directors-in-chief of health services, indicating the seriousness of the government's approach to healthcare regulation.
The Tragic Case Details
The case centers around Jyoti Kumari, who gave birth to a baby girl on January 12 this year. Tragedy struck when she died during a post-delivery blood transfusion at a private emergency hospital in Piro. Subsequent investigations revealed the facility was unregistered and non-compliant with standards prescribed under clinical establishment regulatory laws.
The father-in-law of the deceased filed a criminal case at Piro police station. Anticipating arrest in the case, the petitioners approached the high court seeking pre-arrest bail, which led to the court's comprehensive examination of healthcare regulation in the state.
Justice for the Infant Child
Justice Roy granted pre-arrest bail to the petitioners subject to specific conditions that prioritize the welfare of the orphaned infant. The couple must make a voluntary contribution of Rs 2 lakh to open a fixed deposit bank account for the child, who has been deprived of her mother's care.
The high court also directed the state government to issue a certificate enabling free education for the child at Simultala Residential School or another suitable institution. Additionally, the court mandated that the government provide her with comprehensive medical health insurance coverage.
The order was passed on November 24 but came into the public domain recently, marking a significant step toward healthcare reform in Bihar. This case highlights the urgent need for proper regulation of clinical establishments across the state.
