NGOs urged to work as the eyes and ears of the Human Rights Commission
Jalandhar News: Member of the Punjab State and Chandigarh (UT) Human Rights Commission, Padma Shri Jitender Singh Shunty, today said that the Punjab State Human Rights Commission is fully committed to safeguarding human rights.
While chairing a meeting at the District Administrative Complex with Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal, senior officials of the district police, administration and various NGOs, Padma Shri Jitender Singh Shunty said that the main objective of the Punjab State Human Rights Commission is to ensure the protection of the fundamental rights guaranteed to every citizen under the Constitution. He added that new advisories have been issued by the Commission to further strengthen the protection of human rights.
He said that no hospital can refuse to hand over a deceased body to the family due to pending bills. Issuing directions, he said hospitals should obtain a declaration from the family and hand over the body without delay. He further said that if a needy patient is unable to pay treatment expenses, the hospital should accept a bank cheque or affidavit and allow the patient to go home after treatment. He also said that it is mandatory for hospitals to transport the deceased body to the home of the deceased. He informed that every hospital with 20 beds must have a mortuary and an ambulance.
He further stated that contractors/firms of sanitation workers must ensure insurance coverage and provide caps, shoes, sanitizers and other safety equipment to the workers. He added that the Commission has also issued an advisory that any ambulance carrying a critical patient, upon contacting 112, will be assisted by the nearest PCR or police station vehicle to ensure the patient reaches the hospital promptly.
Calling upon NGOs to work as the eyes and ears of the Human Rights Commission, he urged them to actively contribute to the protection of human rights along with serving humanity. He said NGOs should work as the extended arms of the administration for the welfare of people and protection of their rights. He also appreciated the efforts of NGOs in Jalandhar for working for the welfare of various sections of society.
He informed that the Commission has also issued a helpline number — 9855475547 — for complaints related to human rights violations.
During the meeting with officials of health, municipal council, police and other departments, he issued necessary directions keeping human rights in view and also sought suggestions to further improve their implementation.
He also inspected facilities at the Civil Hospital, including the oxygen plant, laboratory, blood bank, mortuary, ambulance and other services. He emphasized creating awareness about blood donation.
He directed Municipal Corporation officials to ensure ramps, separate bathrooms for men and women, and benches in parks larger than four acres. He also instructed the police department to provide bathrooms, proper seating arrangements and adequate parking facilities for visitors at police stations.
Later, while interacting with the media, Jitender Singh Shunty said that the Commission is forming core groups of 15 members each in every district for the protection of human rights. He said these groups will help in bringing complaints and issues related to human rights to the Commission’s notice. People from different sections of society will be included in these core groups.
On the occasion, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Amaninder Kaur, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Rural Development) Navdeep Kaur, Civil Surgeon Dr. Rajesh Garg, Joint Commissioner Municipal Corporation Mandeep Kaur, along with officials from police, education, health, social security and various other departments were present.
