Asha Kiran deaths: L-G VK Saxena orders dismissal of medical officer

Lieutenant-Governor (L-G) VK Saxena has taken stern action following a damning report on the inhumane conditions at Asha Kiran, a shelter home for intellectually challenged individuals.

The report, submitted after the death of 14 inmates in July, highlighted overcrowding, lack of medical care, poor hygiene, and the absence of proper supervision.

In response, the L-G directed disciplinary action against the facility’s administrator for failing to address the issues and ordered the immediate removal of medical officer Dr Sunita Singh Rathore, who was accused of obstructing the investigation.

Saxena expressed deep concern over the report’s findings, which identified medical negligence as a key factor in the deaths. “It is incomprehensible that, despite a surge in communicable diseases like tuberculosis and gastroenteritis, no isolation of infected inmates was carried out to prevent its spread,” the L-G remarked. He emphasised that overcrowding had worsened the situation, leading to “inhuman conditions” for the residents.

The report from the District Social Welfare Officer revealed several alarming issues — the home’s occupancy exceeded its capacity, sanitation was poor, medical records were missing, and the facility lacked basic ventilation and cleanliness. Additionally, there was significant dissonance between social workers, the administrator and medical staff, leading to mismanagement.

The report also flagged a lack of trained personnel and noted that 12 posts of doctor were vacant. Further, it criticised the facility’s diet plan for not meeting the nutritional needs of residents and pointed out the absence of essential equipment like air purifiers, water filters and diagnostic tools.

The L-G has directed the Health Secretary to fill the vacant medical positions within a week and ordered immediate infrastructure upgrade. A show-cause notice has also been issued to the facility’s administrator, requiring an explanation for the lapses in oversight.

Besides, Saxena called for the Social Welfare Department to consult with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences and reassess the need for specialised staff to care for intellectually challenged residents, ensuring they receive proper medical attention and support.

Despite instructions from the L-G’s office, action regarding compensation for the families of the deceased inmates has not been communicated yet. The L-G urged immediate action on this front, alongside the creation of a digital system to track the medical history and nutritional status of all residents.

Inhumane conditions

• The report has brought out issues like overcrowding, absence of doctors, communicable diseases, poor ventilation and cleanliness, absence of medical records and lack of drinking water among other irregularities at the shelter home
• The report also flags lack of trained personnel and noted that 12 posts of doctor were vacant
• It criticised the facility’s diet plan for not meeting the nutritional needs of residents and pointed out the absence of essential equipment like air purifiers, water filters and diagnostic tools

‘Medical negligence’

It is incomprehensible that, despite a surge in communicable diseases like tuberculosis and gastroenteritis, no isolation of infected inmates was carried out to prevent its spread. — VK Saxena, Lieutenant-Governor