Chandigarh: The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HRHC) has directed health authorities to initiate regular disciplinary proceedings against a staff nurse and consider compensation for a family whose newborn died after delivery at a primary health centre (PHC) in Bhiwani district , citing serious lapses in medical care during a high-risk pregnancy.




A full commission comprising chairperson Justice Lalit Batra , judicial member Kuldip Jain and member Deep Bhatia said departmental action alone would not adequately address the irreparable loss suffered by the family.




The directions followed an inquiry by the District Medical Negligence Board, Bhiwani, which found that no doctor was present during the delivery at PHC Nakipur and that prescribed protocols for high-risk pregnancies were not followed.




According to the board’s June 16 report, the delivery was conducted by the staff nurse with assistance from other colleagues. The newborn was subsequently brought dead to the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU), Bhiwani. The board noted that the baby required immediate resuscitation, but critical time was lost when the nurse administered immunisation.




Taking serious note of the findings, the commission directed the additional chief secretary, health and family welfare department; director general, health services; and civil surgeon, Bhiwani, to initiate regular departmental proceedings against the nurse under applicable service rules.




The authorities were also asked to consider monetary compensation, taking into account the medical lapses, the family’s loss and the state’s responsibility for negligence by personnel at a government health institution.




The commission observed that failure to ensure a doctor’s presence during a high-risk delivery and non-adherence to prescribed medical protocols raised serious concerns over the newborn’s right to life and entitlement to appropriate medical care.




Separately, the commission directed the Bhiwani superintendent of police to expedite the investigation into FIR No. 122, registered at Loharu police station on August 1 under Section 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.




The investigating officer has been asked to appear before the commission with the relevant record. Senior health officials must submit action-taken reports at least a week before the next hearing and present their positions through video conferencing, the commission ordered.




The matter will next be heard on Jan 12, 2027.