NHRC Issues Notice to Haryana Govt Over Wrong Knee Surgery Incident in Panipat

Panipat: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Haryana government and the state’s police chief following reports of a patient allegedly undergoing surgery on the wrong knee at a hospital in Panipat.

According to a media report, the patient was billed despite being a beneficiary of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY).

In a statement released on Thursday, the NHRC took *suo motu* cognizance of the report, noting that the patient was mistakenly operated on the left knee instead of the injured right knee. When the patient’s family protested, the hospital performed surgery on the correct knee; however, the patient is now unable to walk. The hospital charged him Rs 8,000 and confiscated his Ayushman Bharat card.

The NHRC expressed concern over the incident, stating that it raises serious issues of medical negligence and violation of the patient’s right to life and health. Notices have been sent to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police of Haryana, demanding a detailed report within one week. The report should include actions taken against those responsible and any compensation provided to the patient.

The Commission criticized the authorities for failing to supervise private hospitals adequately, resulting in patient exploitation and inhumane treatment. The patient, who lost his family in a 2006 accident, has been earning his livelihood as a labourer. His right knee injury occurred from a fall while cleaning his house.