New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has taken significant steps to address and improve the health infrastructure in Delhi hospitals following an application filed by Amicus Curiae, Advocate Ashok Agarwal. This application brought attention to a distressing incident that occurred on January 4, 2024, where a man tragically lost his life after being denied treatment by four government hospitals in the city.
In response to this, the Bench, headed by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora, directed the Health Secretary to submit suggestions for enhancing the healthcare facilities in Delhi hospitals.
The Court said,
“After hearing the parties, this Court is of the view 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.“
The Court had earlier issued notices to various authorities, including the Union of India, GNCTD, and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), as part of its efforts to address deficiencies in the healthcare system. It also directed the GNCTD to provide a status report on their plans for improving medical infrastructure and increasing healthcare accessibility, with a focus on real-time monitoring of bed availability in all Delhi hospitals.
During the proceedings, the GNCTD submitted a status report, including suggestions from the Health Minister regarding the enhancement of health infrastructure. The Health Secretary, present in court, committed to providing additional suggestions by February 9, 2024. The Court decided to form a Committee of Experts to delve into the matter further, aiming to deliver comprehensive recommendations for the enhancement of healthcare facilities in Delhi hospitals.
For the upcoming hearing on February 12, 2024, the Health Secretary’s physical presence was deemed unnecessary, but the court instructed participation through online audio-video link. These measures underscore the court’s commitment to addressing and rectifying the shortcomings in Delhi’s healthcare system, aiming to ensure better medical services and accessibility for its residents.