Madhya Pradesh High Court Takes Suo Motu Action on Infant Deaths in Indore Hospital

Court Directs Comprehensive Investigation and Accountability Measures for Hospital Management and Infrastructure

In a significant legal development, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has initiated suo motu proceedings concerning the tragic deaths of two infants at Maharaja Yeshwant Rao Hospital in Indore. The court's decision comes in response to the alleged rat bites that reportedly led to the infants' demise. The bench, comprising Justices Vivek Rusia and Binod Kumar Dwivedi, has underscored the need for immediate corrective action to address the circumstances surrounding these fatalities.

The court has mandated detailed replies from the respondents, including the State of Madhya Pradesh, regarding the incident, the hospital's infrastructure, pest control measures, and disciplinary actions undertaken. The respondents have been directed to explain the condition of the hospital building, pest control contracts, and the steps taken to prevent such incidents in the future.

In the replies submitted, the Dean of MGM Medical College and other officials have contended that the infants' deaths were attributed to multiple congenital malformations rather than rat bites. However, they acknowledged issues such as staff shortages and inadequate maintenance of the hospital infrastructure. They also noted the termination of the pest control contract with HLL Infra Tech Services Limited (HITES) and disciplinary actions against the nursing staff involved.

The court has expanded the scope of the inquiry by impleading additional respondents, including the Public Works Department (PWD) and HITES. The PWD has been tasked with providing comprehensive reports on the hospital building's condition, drainage system, electrification, and estimated budgetary needs for improvements. Furthermore, the PWD is required to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the renovation and repair of the hospital facilities.

The court has expressed its intent to ensure accountability and enhance the hospital's management and infrastructure. The Additional Advocate General has been instructed to accept notice on behalf of the PWD and facilitate the submission of necessary replies.

The case will be revisited in two weeks, with the court expecting substantive progress in addressing the issues raised. This proactive judicial intervention aims to prevent future tragedies and improve healthcare standards in government-run hospitals.

Bottom Line:

Suo motu cognizance taken regarding the death of two infants due to alleged rat bites in Maharaja Yeshwant Rao Hospital, Indore - Directions issued to file replies and take corrective measures, including the condition of the hospital building, pest control, and disciplinary actions. 

Statutory provision(s): Suo Motu Cognizance, Public Works Department Maintenance Responsibilities, Pest Control Contracts, Disciplinary Actions

In Reference (Suo Motu) v. State of M P, (Madhya Pradesh)(Indore)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2783406