A 22-year-old acid attack survivor was allegedly refused to be admitted by a private hospital in Delhi on 4 September. In March 2019, Meena* (name changed) was forced to drink acid by her mother-in-law. She had undergone multiple surgeries since then and was admitted to GTB Hospital. Ever since her condition was deteriorating, therefore Meena’s family decided to take her to a private hospital for further treatment.

Her family alleges that a team of doctors told them to take away their daughter as ‘there is no need of surgery’ and prescribed some medicines. The family is claiming that the doctors at the private hospital ‘tried to evade’ Meena’s admission to the hospital. The survivor’s family belongs to Bulandshahr in UP.

In the prescription dated 4 September, the concerned doctor of the private hospital has made a note about ‘acid ingestion 6-7 months back’ but has also mentioned that ‘there has been no recent trauma’.

The Quint spoke to Aman Khan, an activist associated with the HRLN (Human Rights Law Network), and someone who was attending the family as they had sought medical help. According to Aman Khan, the doctors at the private hospital took an entire day to examine the acid attack survivor at the Emergency Ward. He also told, The Quint that the panel of doctors recommended an X-ray of the abdomen be taken and told the family that she was not properly fed. Doctors told them that there was no infection but a light yellowish fluid discharge was visible. They prescribed some painkillers and energy syrups and asked them to follow-up after a week in the OPD (Out Patient Department).

The family might take a second opinion and is also planning to approach the court for legal action against the private hospital.

In February 2019, the Supreme Court had admitted a PIL demanding re-look at the implementation of the guidelines regarding acid attack survivors. The petition had claimed that private hospitals do not entertain acid attack survivors even though there are laws about the same.