The Delhi High Court stated today that it prefers not to engage in a blame game but pointed out that everything was not as smooth as claimed. Additionally, it suggested the possibility of establishing a committee to evaluate the actual on-ground situation.The Delhi government, in its short affidavit, had said that between April 1, 2017, and January 24 this year, the total Budget expenditure for all its hospitals was Rs 21436.80 crore.
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NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court has taken a significant step towards addressing the challenges in the medical infrastructure of government hospitals in Delhi. The court, comprising Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora, has proposed the formation of a committee of doctors to thoroughly examine and suggest improvements for the healthcare facilities in these hospitals.
The court’s decision emerged during a hearing concerning a suo motu PIL initiated in 2017, focusing on the availability of ICU beds and ventilator facilities in government hospitals. This move underscores the court’s proactive approach in ensuring adequate healthcare infrastructure in the capital city.
Acting Chief Justice Manmohan expressed astonishment upon learning that nearly 78 percent of radiologist positions in Delhi government hospitals were vacant. This revelation highlights a significant gap in the healthcare workforce, impacting the delivery of essential medical services. The court was also informed about a hospital in Dwarka, which, despite having a sanctioned strength of 450 nurses, was operating with almost 300 vacant positions. This shortage had led to the reduction of the hospital’s capacity from 1,200 beds to just 250.
The bench critically examined a detailed report filed by the Delhi government, which painted a rather optimistic picture of the situation. However, the court noted a discrepancy between the report and the reality on the ground.
“We want to help you in fixing things but it does not seem that you are giving us the correct picture. This data says your machines are working when it is not working on the ground. We are trying to ensure that the infrastructure required is working. We do not want to enter the blame game. From here everything looks hunky dory,” the Bench remarked.
During the hearing, the Delhi Government’s counsel, Advocate Satyakam, informed the court of the government’s plan to start four new hospitals with a total of 3237 beds in the next two to three years. Additionally, there are plans to increase the existing medical infrastructure by 5000 beds. However, the counsel admitted that while funding was not an issue, the real challenge was the lack of personnel to staff these hospitals.
The court also highlighted the need for transparency and accurate reporting from the government. It pointed out that while the government’s data indicated that CT scan machines in hospitals were operational, the reality was different, with patients being denied admissions.
“You must tell us the correct facts. The ground reality is that patients are being denied admissions. From your status report, everything seems honky dory,” the court stated.
In response to these concerns, the court has impleaded the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB), and GNCTD (Services) department as respondents in the matter. The Delhi Government has been permitted to file an additional affidavit, and the case is set for the next hearing on Monday.
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This intervention by the Delhi High Court is a crucial step towards addressing the gaps in healthcare infrastructure in the city. By proposing the formation of a committee of doctors and seeking accurate data on the ground realities, the court is actively working towards ensuring that the medical infrastructure keeps pace with the growing needs of the city’s population.
CASE TITLE:
COURT ON ITS OWN MOTION v. UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.
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