IMPACT: Reparative Justice for Medical Negligence Deaths in Jharkhand
Channel: VideoVolunteers
Date: 2015-11-08

Last year we launched a campaign to "End Medical Negligence"  focused on getting better medical facilities at the Sub-Divisional Hospital in Madhupur, Jharkhand. CC Mukesh documented several cases of medical negligence at a government hospital that led to the death of a new-born, and of a 12 year old, among others. 

The Government has compensated the families of Aamna Bibi and Kundan by providing money for Indira Awas Yojana and regular supply of rations respectively. Kundan’s family was also given compensation of INR 1.5 Lakh. The immense public pressure has ensured better services at the hospital. In recent visits and through eye-witness testimonies gathered, Mukesh has found that there are doctors now present 24x7. Provisions like rabies shots, not available before are now available. 

Two petitions were launched on change.org, which received over 40,000 signatures from across the world. As a result of this the Chief Medical Officer of Jharkhand conducted an investigation. This is a great example of how communities can be mobilised to ask for their rights. With Mukesh’s support, many came forward for the first time to speak out against the ill treatment they had got at the hospital. They also organised public demonstrations to make sure the fact-finding process was carried out. The story got considerable local and national coverage, which further supported the community to achieve its goals.

Mukesh says there are still many discrepancies as far as the administration is concerned and he continues to work towards finding solutions for all discrepancies. Read more about Mukesh's current issue involving corruption at the Sub-divisional hospital here and support his cause by sharing his video & acting on his call to change. 

Mukesh Rajak reports from Madhupur, Jharkhand for IndiaUnheard