About “OMBUDSMAN” under HIV and AIDS (Prevention & Control) Act 2017
Strengthen system of grievance redressal (Section 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26 of HIV & AIDS (P & C) Act 2017)
Complaint Officer:
At establishment of more than 100 persons (20 in case of healthcare settings) for redressal of grievances. He shall dispose of complaints of violations of the provisions of this Act in the establishment.
Ombudsman:
At State level to enquire into violation of provisions of the Act in relation to healthcare services. The Ombudsman shall, upon a complaint made by any person, inquire into the violations of the provisions of this Act, in relation to acts of discrimination.
Provisions specific to Ombudsman
Section 23:
Every State Government shall appoint one or more Ombudsman,— (1) The terms and condition of the service of an Ombudsman appointed shall be such as may be prescribed by the State Government. (2)The Ombudsman appointed shall have such jurisdiction in respect of such area or areas as the State Government may, by notification, specify.
Section 24:
(1) The Ombudsman shall, upon a complaint made by any person, inquire into the violations of the provisions of this Act, in relation to acts of discrimination mentioned in section 3 and providing of healthcare services by any person, in such manner as may be prescribed by the State Government. (2) The Ombudsman may require any person to furnish information on such points or matters, as he considers necessary, for inquiring into the matter and any person so required shall be deemed to be legally bound to furnish such information and failure to do so shall be punishable under sections 176 and 177 of the Indian Penal Code. (3) The Ombudsman shall maintain records in such manner as may be prescribed by the State Government.
Section 25:
The complaints may be made to the Ombudsman under sub-section (1) of section 24 in such manner, as may be prescribed, by the State Government.
Section 26
:The Ombudsman shall, within a period of thirty days of the receipt of the complaint under sub-section (1) of section 24, and after giving an opportunity of being heard to the parties, pass such order, as he deems fit, giving reasons therefore: Provided that in cases of medical emergency of HIV positive persons, the Ombudsman shall pass such order as soon as possible, preferably within twenty-four hours of the receipt of the complaint.
Section 27:
All authorities including the civil authorities functioning in the area for which the Ombudsman has been appointed under section 23 shall assist in execution of orders passed by the Ombudsman. Section 28: The Ombudsman shall, after every six months, report to the State Government, the number and nature of complaints received, the action taken and orders passed in relation to such complaints and such report shall be published on the website of the Ombudsman and a copy thereof be forwarded to the Central Government.
What is the manner of making complaints to Ombudsman?
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Any person may make a complaint to the Ombudsman within Three Months from the date on which person making a complaint come to know of alleged violation. Ombudsman may extend time period by another Three Months if satisfied by prevalent circumstances.
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Form -A
may be down loaded from the link below for submitting grievance related to Ombudsman. All complaints shall be made in “Form-A.
DAPCU, ART , ART PLUS , LINK ART, CSCs, DLN/SLN, DSDG, NGO’s/CBO’s & ICTC Staffs are directed to help illiterate Complainants to download, fill up Form – A and Informed consent.
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Ombudsman will receive the complaints made in person/ by post/through Email or official-website/ Orally / Telephonically. Provided that complaint received orally or telephonically shall be later scribe by the complainant or his representative in Form -A.
ODISHA STATE AIDS CONTROL SOCIETY (OSACS)
CONTACT DETAILS OF ODISHA OMBUDSMAN
NAME
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MOBILE NO
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Click Complain Form to Lodge your Grievance before Ombudsman:
