CWC: Unrestricted entry to ICU worsened Falak’s condition

New Delhi: The South Delhi Child Welfare Committee (CWC) handling Falak’s case has said that the baby might have contracted infection because hospital authorities failed to stop entry of visitors into the intensive care unit (ICU) in which Falak was kept. On 27 January, the CWC issued notice to the director of AIIMS trauma centre asking him why media persons were allowed in the ICU. The CWC had taken cognizance of the video footage and pictures in newspapers showing a battered baby Falak on the hospital bed. As per the notice, the hospital authorities were to submit an explanation by today. On not receiving any response, today, the CWC sent a reminder to AIIMS asking it for an explanation in the next five days. [caption id=“attachment_203188” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“Screen grab from IBNLive.”] [/caption] The 27 January notice was issued under sections 21 and 23 of the Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act. Section 21 of the Act prohibits the disclosure of identity or details of a juvenile in conflict with law or a child in need of care and protection. Section 23 of JJ Act says that if the person in charge of the juvenile, exposes or willfully neglects him, the person can be punished with six months imprisonment or fine or both. CWC members believe that in Falak’s case, the baby might have contracted infection as many media persons were allowed entry in the ICU. CWC had also directed the Vasant Kunj police station to prepare a list of media channels’ staff who entered the ICU and take action against them under the Act. On Friday, the SHO, Vasant Kunj, told the CWC that since AIIMS trauma centre fell under the jurisdiction of Safdarjung police station, the same should be directed to respond to the notice. The CWC directed the deputy commissioner of police, South District, to decide as to which police station should comply with the order. “It is a serious issue which cannot be ignored because it is likely that the child got infection when hospital authorities failed to stop entry of visitors into the ICU,” ruled the CWC.