HC’s dose for robust healthcare

Saurabh Malik

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 28

Making it clear that healthcare facilities in the tricity could not be left untreated, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has indicated that a senior officer from the Union Health Ministry could be summoned over the issue of recruiting staff.

“It appears that personal appearance of a senior officer of the ministry may be necessary in order to ensure that further steps are taken promptly. This court has no hesitation in observing that as the matter concerns providing health facilities to residents of the tricity, the same cannot be treated in a casual manner,” Justice Rajan Gupta asserted.

The assertion came after Justice Gupta’s Bench, in response to a query, was told by counsel for the Union of India that a requisition for staff was sent by the Union Territory. However, it was not traceable in the ministry concerned. 

Appearing before Justice Gupta, the amicus curiae or the friend of the court, senior counsel Anupam Gupta, had initially told Justice Gupta that a 100-bed hospital had been established in Sector 48, Chandigarh, in accordance with the latest norms and parameters and was complete in all respects. However, the building would not serve any purpose unless equipment and staff were provided. “In case thje needful is done, it shall prove a big boon for residents of the city and adjoining areas,” he said. 

  Gupta added that a five or six-bed ICU on the first floor at the GMSH, Sector 16, had been established and was functional. It was well equipped with ventilators in place. It may, however, have to be expanded in due course as a large number of patients reported to the general hospital. Counsel for the UT, in response, submitted that a policy decision in this regard would be taken soon. 

In his affidavit, UT Health Secretary Arun Kumar Gupta had on the previous date of hearing submitted that the Government of India had been requested to convey the approval for creation of posts in the Sector 48 Civil Hospital in the interests of patients and the general public.

Referring to the 80-bed hospital at Maloya village, the Secretary had submitted that the approval for dismantling the existing old building was being taken by the engineering department and the construction work was likely to be completed by December 2020.

The Chandigarh Administration had also claimed major efforts to make healthcare facilities in the city more robust. It had told Justice Gupta that two hospitals with a total capacity of 180 beds and a sports injury centre were coming up in the city.

Justice Gupta was also told that the construction of a 100-bed hospital in Sector 48 was likely to be completed by December 31, and details of 248 persons, including 78 doctors, for maintaining round-the-clock service had already been sent to the Union Ministry of and family welfare.

It appears the personal appearance of a senior officer of the ministry may be necessary. This court has no hesitation in observing that the matter concerns providing health facilities to residents and cannot be treated in a casual manner.— Justice Rajan Gupta