Accident victim's death: HC notice to govt, Centre

The Delhi High Court on Thursday termed the death of an accident victim as a "man- made tragedy", as he died in an ambulance after being denied treatment by three hospitals. Harish V Nair reports.

The Delhi High Court on Thursday termed the death of an accident victim as a "man- made tragedy", as he died in an ambulance after being denied treatment by three hospitals.

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The court has sought explanation from the Delhi government and the Centre after the Hindustan Times report titled Man dies as 3 hospitals refuse him treatment appeared on December 1.

Chief justice Dipak Misra and Justice Manmohan issued notices to the Centre and Delhi government and sought details on how many such incidents had come to their notice and suggestions on how such "man- made tragedies could be avoided".

The bench has sought the reply by January 12, along with the details of the deceased and his legal representatives so that they could award compensation to them.

"Delhi government and the Centre is to put forth the facts and figures and also their suggestions on how to resolve this kind of man-made tragedy. The affidavits shall incorporate the address of the deceased and his legal representatives so that this Court, on proper scrutiny, may think of awarding compensation to them," said justice Misra.

Standing counsel for the Delhi government Najmi Waziri told the bench that the government was aware of the incident and termed it "most unfortunate".

He assured that steps will be taken to "streamline the whole system". The health minister has already sought an explanation from the hospitals concerned.

Ram Bhor (50) had died after hit by a speeding vehicle on Monday night at Azadpur Mandi. The patient succumbed to his injuries after three hospitals refused to admit him.