The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has taken action against the animal husbandry and dairy development department for failing to submit a plan to improve conditions at Aarey Hospital in Mumbai. The department has been directed to deposit Rs 50,000 in the chief minister’s relief fund within four weeks for their negligence.
A recent report highlighted the dire situation at Aarey Hospital, where only one doctor was serving a population of one lakh within Aarey Milk Colony. The SHRC had taken suo motu cognizance of the report and demanded details from the department to enhance health services at the facility.
During a hearing on October 21, the SHRC Chairperson Justice K K Tated and member M A Sayeed addressed the issue. The department’s legal officer, senior assistant, and BMC representative were present during the hearing. Despite several opportunities given to the department to submit a comprehensive plan, they failed to do so, leading to the imposition of a fine of Rs 50,000.
The SHRC order mandates the department to deposit the fine within four weeks and report compliance by the next hearing scheduled for November 26. The commission expressed disappointment in the department’s delay in taking action to improve the hospital’s management and control.
The Aarey Hospital has been neglected for a long time, leaving members of the tribal community without proper medical facilities. The SHRC is closely monitoring the situation to ensure that necessary improvements are made to provide better healthcare services to the residents of Aarey Milk Colony.
The commission’s strict actions against the department demonstrate the importance of addressing healthcare issues promptly and effectively. It is crucial for authorities to prioritize the well-being of the community and take necessary steps to improve healthcare infrastructure in Aarey Hospital. The upcoming hearing will shed more light on the progress made by the department in complying with the SHRC’s directives.
