The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has summoned the Odisha government, Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) and administration of Acharya Harihar Post Graduate Institute of Cancer (AHPGIC) regarding the rising incidents of stray dogs biting patients on the hospital premises. It took suo motu cognizance of a news report by The New Indian Express highlighting the issue. A total of five patients have been attacked by stray dogs in the hospital in the past week which has also caused delays in their critical cancer treatments.
The NHRC has directed the authorities for a report on the steps taken or proposed to be taken to address the stray dog menace in AHPGIC and to maintain patients’ safety. The commission has also pointed out that the contents of the media report suggest a violation of patients’ human rights which contradicts the charter of patients’ rights issued by the NHRC. The charter includes rights like safety, proper environment with requisite cleanliness, infection control measures, safe drinking water as per food standards, and sanitation facilities in the premises.
The 281-bed cancer hospital sees a footfall of around 700-1000 patients a day and overcrowding is common in the hallways and open areas. Affected patients and their families have requested for a better security so that such incidents can be avoided.
Cuttack Municipal Corporation is primarily responsible for dealing with the stray dog issue in the area. The municipality has to undertake measures such as sterilization, euthanasia, and relocation of stray dogs in order to ensure the safety of the citizens. CMC is also responsible for issuing licenses to animal keepers, creating animal reserves as well as providing special pets’ cabins in public places to ensure that pet owners keep their pets in check.
The National Human Rights Commission has also ordered a report should include the steps proposed to be taken by the aforementioned organizations in order to deal with the stray dogs and ensure the safety of people at the hospital premises. This step taken by the commission is commendable and it is essential that stray animal problems are addressed quickly so that human lives are not put at risk.
