Bhubaneswar, 28/12: No respite to the Apollo Hospital here in the alleged kidney theft case. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the state’s Chief Secretary to take action against the said hospital. Earlier, the Commission had directed to cancel the registration of the hospital. Commission’s fresh direction has put the hospital in tizzy.

In 2013, the kidney of Anil Kumar Swamy of Bargarh district was transplanted on the body of his neighbour Raghab Ram Dora. A complaint was lodged in Bargarh Town police station in 2016 by Anil alleging that  the transplant was carried out illegally. On the other hand, human rights activist Akhand had filed a petition before the NHRC on this matter acting upon which the Commission had sought a report from the state’s Health Secretary and Chief Secretary.

Knowing from the report of the Health department that the kidney transplant was illegal, NHRC had directed the government to take action against the hospital. However, Apollo Hospital authorities had filed a petition in the High Court challenging the NHRC’s order.  High Court had asked the Commission to give an opportunity to place its version.

However, the NHRC concluded that the hospital’s contention had no basis and has directed the government to cancel the hospital’s registration. It has also asked the hospital authorities to pay a compensation of Rs 2 lakh within six weeks.