Case Title: K Aruna v Principal Secretary

A woman approached Madras High Court seeking compensation of Rs.  10 lakhs from the State after her husband died of a snake bite because he could not get timely treatment owing to the fact that the 24 x 7 primary health centre was shut at the time of the alleged incident.

A single bench judge of Justice Anita Sumanthdirected the additional government pleader to find the truth whether the health care centre was shut at the time of the alleged incident

The petitioner stated that after her husband suffered from a snake bite, she with the help of friends, went to the 24 x 7 primary health centre but because it was shut the deceased was shifted to another hospital which took one hour time to reach there. He got treatment at the hospital but it was too late and he died.

Though the health centre had a poster which was stamped stating the availability of anti-snake venom, her husband of the petitioner couldn’t get timely treatment so owing to which he passed away. Hence, the petitioner filed a petition at the Madras High Court seeking compensation of Rs. 10 lakhs for negligence of the government her husband died due to the fact that inspite of availability of anti-snake venom at the local PHC, her husband couldn’t get timely treatment.

After hearing the petitioner, the court sought response from the Additional Government Pleader whether the local PHC was shut at the time of the alleged incident and further directed the state to conduct an enquiry whether PHC was functioning or not.

The respondents will also confirm if there are camera facilities and suggest other measure that would assist the Court in ascertaining the facts in relation to the functioning of the clinic.

Story Update By: Ms. Sai Sushmitha, Correspondent at Lawgic.

Edited By: Ms. Nandini Nair, Content-Head at Lawgic.