The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has awarded ₹2 lakh as interim compensation to the family of a newborn who sustained serious injuries during a botched circumcision procedure.
Commission member K. Mohan Kumar issued the order to the Chief Secretary.
The order was based on the reports submitted by the Additional Director, Health Department, and the District Medical Officer, Malappuram.
Doctor’s credentials
The surgery was performed at a private hospital in Malappuram by a doctor possessing an MBBS degree and three years of experience, the commission noted.
The baby boy, given birth by Jameela of Malappuram just 23 days before the surgery was held, had sustained serious injuries to his genitalia in the operation.
Since then, the parents spent more than ₹1.25 lakh on their son’s medical treatment, according to the commission.
The commission also asked the government to strengthen awareness in doctors and parents regarding surgeries performed on newborns. Further, it asked the government to conduct timely inspections in hospitals as prescribed by the Clinical Establishment (Registration and Regulation) Act.
Ill-equipped
The Health Department gave a report to the commission saying that the doctor lacked sufficient experience and that the hospital was ill-equipped.
The report further said that such hospitals should not be allowed to perform surgeries of this nature.
Closure demand
The commission also cited the District Medical Officer’s report that stated that the hospital should be shut. It rejected the investigation reported submitted by the DySP, Tirur, calling it incomplete.
