HC appoints expert panel to examine infra, manpower issues at Delhi govt, MCD hospitals

Feb 14,2024

New Delhi: Stating that machines, medicines and manpower are "woefully inadequate" in Delhi government and MCD hospitals, the Delhi High Court on Tuesday constituted a six-member expert committee to examine these issues and place a monthly report before it. A bench headed by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan remarked that authorities vested with the power to run, administer and manage the hospitals in Delhi "are not on the same page", and without critical infrastructure, the "golden hour" of saving a life may be lost.

The court said the provision of quality medical services is crucial for the health and well being of any city and to ensure a robust public health system is an obligation of the State.

"This court is of the view that huge investments along with structural reforms in the functioning of government hospitals, without entering into a blame game, are the need of the hour to overcome years of neglect and apathy which can only be done if there is a consensus on measures to be adopted both in the short and long term," the bench, also comprising Justice Maneet PS Arora, said.

"It is apparent that the infrastructure, (be it in the form of machines, medicines or manpower) is woefully inadequate at Delhi hospitals... Since this field is an extremely specialised area that requires subject experience and domain knowledge, this court deems it expedient to appoint a committee of experts that shall consider the matter in detail and place their recommendation/report on record," the court ordered.

The court constituted the committee under the chairmanship of Dr S K Sarin, chancellor of the ILBS.

The other members of the committee are Dr Nikhil Tandon, professor and head of the department of endocrinology and metabolism, AIIMS; Dr D K Sharma, MS, Dr R P Eye Centre, AIIMS; Dr Suresh Kumar, director, LNJP Hospital; Dr Piyush Gupta, professor of paediatrics and principal, University College of Medical Sciences; and Dr Deepak K Tempe, vice chancellor, ILBS.

Source: Healthworld