Delhi HC Directs Health Secretary To Submit Recommendations To Improve Health Infrastructure Across State
The Delhi High Court directed the Health Secretary to submit suggestions to improve the health infrastructure in Delhi hospitals.
The Court listed the matter for February 12, 2024 in an application filed by Amicus Curiae seeking to bring to light an incident, where a man tragically died after being denied treatment by four government hospitals in Delhi.
The Bench headed by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora observed, “that a Committee of Experts needs to be constituted to suggest ways and means to improve the health infrastructure in Delhi hospitals. However, a detailed order shall be passed after suggestions have been received from the Health Secretary, GNCTD”.
Advocate Ashok Agarwal appeared as Amicus Curiae, Standing Counsel Kirtiman Singh appeared for the Union, Standing Counsel Santosh Kumar Tripathi appeared for the State and Standing Counsel Ajjay Aroraa appeared for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.
An application, submitted by the Amicus Curiae, sought to bring to light an incident reported on January 4, 2024, where a man tragically died after being denied treatment by four government hospitals in Delhi. Despite attempts to admit him, he was refused care due to various reasons, ultimately resulting in his death.
The Court, in its previous orders, issued notices to the concerned authorities, including the Union of India, the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD), and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).
Additionally, the Court had previously directed the GNCTD to provide a status report on their plans to improve medical infrastructure and expenditure on government hospitals, with a focus on increasing healthcare accessibility. The GNCTD was also instructed to explore the feasibility of setting up a real-time centre portal to monitor bed availability across all hospitals in Delhi. The Court had directed the status report to be filed at least two days prior to the next hearing.
The State submitted a status report and suggestions from the Health Minister regarding the enhancement of health infrastructure in Delhi. The Health Secretary of GNCTD was present in court and had committed to providing additional suggestions by February 9, 2024.
The Court decided to form a Committee of Experts to propose strategies for improving healthcare facilities in Delhi hospitals, with a detailed order to follow after receiving input from the Health Secretary.
The Health Secretary's physical presence in court was not required, but are instructed to participate via online audio-video link for the next hearing scheduled on February 12, 2024, at 2:30 P.M.
Accordingly, the Court listed the matter for February 12, 2024.
Cause Title: Court On Its Own Motion v Union Of India And Ors
