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The order was passed in a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) initiated in 2017, focusing on the availability of ICU beds and ventilator facilities in government hospitals
The Delhi High Court has directed the Delhi government to submit a comprehensive status report outlining plans to address the inadequacy of medical infrastructure in the city, particularly concerning the shortage of hospital beds.
The bench, comprising Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Mini Pushkarna, emphasized the pressing need to align medical facilities with the burgeoning population of the national capital in an order dated December 13.
This direction stems from a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) initiated in 2017, focusing on the availability of ICU beds and ventilator facilities in government hospitals. The court underscored the growing demand surpassing the available supply, particularly highlighting the scarcity of hospital beds in its recent order.
During the proceedings, amicus curiae Advocate Ashok Aggarwal presented a Hindustan Times report titled “Turned Away by Three Hospitals, a 14-year-old cancer patient dies.”
The report highlighted a tragic incident where a 14-year-old girl succumbed to blood cancer at AIIMS on December 5 after being denied treatment by three government hospitals in Delhi, citing shortages in medicines, beds, or equipment.
Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, the court stated, “Upon a reading of this report, it is apparent that medical infrastructure in the city of Delhi is inadequate and the number of hospital beds is insufficient. The demand is far in excess of the supply. The said report is taken on record.”
"Learned counsel for GNCTD is directed to file a status report within four weeks. The status report will indicate as to how the GNCTD plans to ensure that the medical infrastructure keeps pace with the city’s population. The status report shall also deal with the suggestions given by the learned Amicus Curiae," the bench ordered.
The court has scheduled further hearing on this matter for January 29, 2024.
In a previous order, hospitals under Central Government management were instructed to establish a control room, providing real-time information about the availability of beds with ventilator facilities. This directive included the notification of relevant phone numbers through public notices in print media and web portals.
Case Title: Court on its own motion v. Union of India & Ors.
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