Telangana Human Rights Commission awards compensation to hospital negligence

The Telangana SHRC has ordered Rs 50,000 compensation to a mother whose newborn suffered head injuries when a ceiling fan fell at Gudihathnoor PHC. The inquiry cited poor hospital maintenance and stressed that public hospitals are responsible for patient safety

Hyderabad: The Telangana State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has directed the State Government to pay a compensation of Rs 50,000 to the mother of a newborn baby who sustained serious head injuries when a ceiling fan fell on the hospital bed at the Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Gudihathnoor of Adilabad district.

The incident, which occurred on June 22, 2025, prompted the Commission, chaired by Dr Justice Shameem Akther, to take suo motu cognizance based on media reports. Subsequent investigations revealed that one Payal Jadhav underwent a delivery in the hospital and gave birth to a girl.

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The ceiling fan in the ward, which became loose due to a faulty bolt, fell on the newborn girl, resulting in a fracture and subdural hematoma. The child was rushed to the RIMS in Adilabad, where she was treated for a head injury and discharged later.

The Commission’s inquiry found that the fan fell due to a rusted hook accidentally, but held the government and hospital authorities responsible for poor maintenance and failure to ensure patient safety. The Commission observed that the public hospitals have a statutory duty to maintain a safe environment and can be held directly responsible for lapses in upkeep leading to harm.

The SHRC ordered that the compensation be paid immediately to Payal Jadhav and instructed the Chief Secretary to comply with the order within two months.