Consider Request Made By Registry For Upgrading Medical Facilities Inside The Court: Supreme Court To Delhi Government

The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Health Secretary of the Delhi Government to consider the proposal made by the Court's Registry for upgrading the medical facilities, including the availability of cardiologists at the Health Centre in the Main Campus of the Court.

In October 2022, a lawyer collapsed in the Supreme Court while arguing a case. Then, the Bench comprising Justice BR Gavai and BV Nagarathna rushed from their seats to attend the advocate. A doctor was also called into the Court, as per reports.

Following the incident, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed through Advocate-on-Record Pravir Choudhary which sought that proper medical facilities be made available in the Supreme Court Premises for the practicing lawyers/members of the Supreme Court Bar Association, which was heard by a Bench comprising Justice M.R. Shah and Justice C.T. Ravikumar.

Further, the PIL sought that members of the Supreme Court Bar Association may get treatment in the CGHS Dispensary in the premises of the Supreme Court.

The Apex Court had then directed that the copy of the writ petition may be served to the Secretary General of the Supreme Court for obtaining instructions in the matter.

The Registry of the Supreme Court filed a detailed report wherein it stated that a Delhi Government Health Centre (DGHC) is in existence in the Low Security Zone of the Main Campus of the Supreme Court for extending medical facilities, including emergency response mechanism to advocates, litigants and others.

The Report further stated that at present, 2 Doctors, 1 Sr. Pharmacy Officer, 1 Pharmacist, 1 ANM and 1 Nursing Orderly are available in the said Centre. It said that the Centre provides Emergency Services, Laboratory Services and OPD Services.

Moreover, the Registry told the Court that all emergency cases from DGHC are referred to Casualty Lok Nayak Jai Prakash and GB Pant hospitals. It is also submitted that all required medicines are available in the DGHC.

It was also reported that two well equipped ambulances are available 24X7, which are available in the Supreme Court premises.

“So far, as the services of the Cardiologists are concerned, a request is already made by the Registry to the Health Secretary, Delhi Government for upgrading the medical facilities. A request is also made to ensure adequate number of specialists from different fields like Cardiologists, Ortho, ENT etc.”, observed the Court.

“In that view of the matter, no further order is required to be passed in the present writ petition except directing the Health Secretary, Delhi Government to consider the communication dated 19.11.2022 and to take further steps as per the request, at the earliest”, ordered the Court while disposing of the PIL.

Cause Title- Reepak Kansal v. Union of India & Ors.

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