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Orders Private Hospital Care For Acid Attack Victim
In a significant , the of Madhya Pradesh at Indore has directed the immediate transfer of a four-year-old acid attack survivor to a private super-specialty hospital. Justice Deepak Khot, presiding over the matter, emphasized that the toward victims of extends to ensuring timely and adequate medical care, regardless of the limitations of government facilities.
A Cry for Help The case stems from a horrific incident on , where a four-year-old minor, her six-year-old brother, and their mother suffered severe burn injuries in an acid attack. Initially admitted to a in Barwani, the victims were discharged despite requiring urgent specialized care, citing a lack of infrastructure.
When the matter reached the , the petitioner’s counsel presented distressing photographs demonstrating poor hygiene at the government facility, including fungal growth and the presence of rodents. The gravity of the situation was highlighted by the medical assessment, which warned that failing to provide specialized treatment could lead to life-threatening complications, including sepsis and septic shock.
The Legal Framework: Laxmi and Beyond
The court drew heavily from the landmark ruling in
, which mandates comprehensive care for acid attack survivors. Justice Khot reminded the respondents that the law is clear:
"No hospital/clinic should refuse treatment citing lack of specialized facilities,"
and
"Full medical assistant should be provided to the victims of acid attack and that private hospitals should also provide free medical treatment to such victims."
Key Observations The ’s ruling was anchored in protecting the of the minors. During the proceedings, the court observed:
"In the considered opinion of this Court the petitioners are entitled to get treatment at the private hospitals... without commenting on the affairs and conditions of the hospital where the petitioners are being treated."
Further underscoring the obligation of healthcare providers, the bench noted:
"The is directed to admit the petitioner, forthwith. It is also made clear that Hospital in question will keep a separate account of the expenditure incurred towards the treatment... [and] shall not force the petitioner/demand the expenditure."
Ensuring Cashless Access To remove any financial barriers, the court integrated the victims' coverage under the . The order ensures that if the costs for critical surgeries exceed the standard insurance coverage, the is tasked with releasing the necessary funds immediately.
Implications for the Future By enforcing the Laxmi guidelines, the Madhya Pradesh has reinforced that bureaucratic hurdles or lack of institutional infrastructure cannot be grounds for denying emergency medical aid. This judgment serves as a vital safeguard for victims of , ensuring that the state—and, by extension, private medical institutions—prioritize the stabilization and recovery of survivors over procedural constraints.
The court has issued notices to the state respondents and slated the matter for future review, maintaining oversight to ensure the minors receive the reconstructive surgeries and long-term care they desperately require.
