TGHRC recommends Rs.8 lakh compensation, job to husband in tubectomy death case

Hyderabad: The Telangana Human Rights Commission held the State government vicariously liable for medical negligence in a tubectomy death case. The commission recommended additional compensation of ₹8 lakh and a job for the deceased woman’s husband.

In its order in a case registered in 2018, the Commission, headed by Justice Shameem Akther, found that Smt. M. Lalitha died due to complications arising from an ileal perforation during surgery and a subsequent delay in diagnosis. This tragic tubectomy case occurred at a Government Community Health Centre in the Wanaparthy district.

The Commission observed that the surgical complication led to septic peritonitis and ultimately resulted in cardio-pulmonary arrest. It rejected the State government’s contention that the death was caused by unavoidable physiological complications.

Tubectomy death case termed clear medical negligence

Holding that the facts clearly established medical negligence, the TGHRC noted that the ₹2 lakh compensation earlier paid by the government was wholly inadequate. It also took into account that the deceased woman was survived by a disabled husband and two minor children, impacted by the tubectomy death case.

The Commission recommended that the State government pay an additional ₹8 lakh as compensation to the family. It further advised that suitable employment be provided to the husband in light of the tragic tubectomy case. This would allow the family to live with dignity and financial security.

The recommendations were issued with directions to the government to take appropriate action in accordance with the law. The tubectomy case drew considerable attention, and the government was also directed to report compliance to the Commission.