Shillong, March 23 : The Meghalaya Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has directed the state government to pay compensation of ₹10 lakh to the children of a woman who died during pregnancy at MCH Hospital in Jowai, following findings of lapses in medical care.
The Commission took suo moto cognisance of the case based on a newspaper report published on June 6, 2025, which alleged negligence by hospital staff in connection with the death of the pregnant woman from Jalaphet village in East Jaintia Hills district. Family members of the deceased had attributed the death to gross negligence on the part of the hospital’s medical personnel.
Following the incident, the Department of Health and Family Welfare constituted an enquiry committee on July 7, 2025. The findings, along with recommendations and conclusions, pointed to several deficiencies related to the treatment and care provided to the patient.
Acting on the enquiry findings, the MHRC issued its final order on March 23, 2026, addressing the Additional Chief Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department. The Commission recommended that ₹10 lakh be paid as compensation to the children of the deceased woman to support their livelihood, noting that they have lost their mother.
The order underscores the need for accountability in healthcare services while ensuring relief to affected families. The Commission’s intervention highlights concerns over medical negligence and patient safety in government healthcare institutions.
