Annual Report - National Human Rights Commission

Summary of Principal Recommendations and Observations
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Right to Health
19.23 The Commission is deeply concerned about the prevailing unsatisfactory system of
emergency medical care in the country, which results in loss of many lives. The expert group
reviewed the existing scenario and Centralized Accident and Trauma Services (CATS). While
pointing out a number of deficiencies in the existing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) of the
country, it has suggested a number of short-term as well as long-term measures to address the
lacunae. (Para 7.8 and 7.9)
19.24 These recommendations have already been referred to the Health Secretary, the Director
General of Health Services as well as all the State governments (Para 7.10). While encouraging
responses have been received from some of the states, the Commission would like to impress the
need for full compliance from all the states, on a matter which is undoubtedly of vital importance
impinging on the Right to life itself.
Public Hearings on Right to Health Care
19.25 In Chapter 7 of the Report, details of the initiatives undertaken by the Commission on
health care have been indicated. Of special significance was the series of regional public hearings
held which culminated in the national public hearing. The National Public Hearing was held in
New Delhi on 16 th – 17 th December, 2004 in which the National Action Plan to Operationalize
the Right to Health Care was proposed. (Para 7.14)
19.26 Detailed Recommendations on right to health care were made in the National Action
Plan to the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, State Governments
and Union Territories, NHRC, State Human Rights Commissions and NGOs and health
service networks. The recommendations of Regional Public Hearing and National
Action Plan was communicated to all States/Union Territories on 11-03-2005. Responses
have been received from only some of the States/Union Territories. (Para 7.16) The
Commission would, therefore, urge the governments to speed up their responses to the
recommendations made.
Plan of Action to Tackle Fluorosis
19.27 A meeting to discuss the human rights issues relating to fluorosis was convened by the
Commission (Para 7.18) which was attended by the senior representatives of the Ministry of
health and other experts from the field. The recommendations made as a sequel to the meeting,
inter-alia, include mounting a national programme, preparing a Plan of Action, to tackle the
problem of Fluorosis. It is hoped that the Government will be monitoring the implementation of
the recommendations made in consultation with it.
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