Shifting of conjoined twins: Notice to AIIMS

New Delhi: A petition seeking to prevent the shifting of the conjoined twins from Odisha, who were separated after a surgery at AIIMS, from the premier medial institute here to its Bhubaneswar branch, following which the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has issued notice to the Union health secretary and AIIMS director, New Delhi.

The petition has been filed by Supreme Court lawyer and human rights activist Radhakanta Tripathy and claims that AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, does not have the infrastructure required for the care and treatment of the twins — Jaga and Balia.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has now asked the health ministry and AIIMS to submit the facts and information on the action taken on the matter within 15 days.

“A petition/complaint has been received by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes from Radhakanta Tripathy and the commission has decided to investigate and inquire into the matter, in pursuance of the powers conferred upon it under Article 338A of the Constitution of India. You are hereby requested to submit the facts and information on the action taken on the allegations/matters to the undersigned within 15 days of receipt of this notice either by post or in person or by any other means of communication,” the notice read.