Telangana HRC flags negligence at Adilabad PHC, seeks Rs 50,000 aid after fan falls on newborn

Hyderabad: In a strong indictment of the state of public health infrastructure, the Telangana Human Rights Commission (TGHRC) has recommended a compensation of Rs 50,000 for the mother of a newborn injured after a ceiling fan collapsed at the Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Gudihathnoor, Adilabad district.

The commission, led by Dr Justice Shameem Akther, took suo-motu cognisance of the incident (Case HRC No. 2507 of 2025) and delivered its order on November 7.

Grave negligence and breach of duty

The TGHRC held that the shocking incident reflects ‘grave negligence in maintenance of public health facilities’ and constitutes a clear ‘breach of the State’s duty to ensure patient safety.’

The infant, born to Payal Jadhav of Kodduguda village, suffered a fracture and subdural hematoma due to the collapse. Recognising the severity of the injuries and the immense trauma experienced by the family, the commission directed that the compensation be paid to Jadhav.

The order instructs the chief secretary, government of Telangana, to submit a report of compliance within two months, in accordance with Section 18(e) of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.

What is the case about?

The accident occurred on Sunday morning, June 22, at the Gudihathnoor PHC.

Payal Jadhav, who had given birth two days prior, was resting with her newborn baby girl when the old and rusted ceiling fan suddenly plummeted onto their bed. The infant was immediately rushed to the RIMS hospital in Adilabad for emergency treatment.

A subsequent inspection by the district medical and health officer on June 23, 2025, revealed that the fan was old and its deterioration was the cause of the collapse. The TGHRC’s final order on November 7, 2025, now places legal accountability on the State government for the lack of maintenance that led to the child's injuries.