Only 66% Budget Utilized For Medical Infrastructure By State Govt: Bombay HC Told In Suo Moto PIL On Deaths In Govt Hospitals

In a suo moto PIL concerning deaths in government hospitals in Nanded and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar districts of Maharashtra, the Bombay High Court today orally questioned the State on why it was not utilizing the budget for developing medical infrastructure in the State.“You have to be sensitive to the nature of litigation...infants are dying in government hospitals...we don't want to say anything beyond this...you are only utilizing 66% of budget, why?” Chief Justice Alok Aradhe orally remarked. On 4 October 2023, the Court took suo motu cognizance of various newspaper reports highlighting large number of deaths, including those of infants, at various Government Hospitals. The reports included the statements issued by doctors who suggested that the deaths had occurred due to a shortage of beds, doctors and essential medicines.Today, during the hearing, the amicus curiae submitted that the State Government has utilized the budget only to the extent of 66% for the creation of medical infrastructure in the State. He pointed out that there has been no explanation from the State government about the remainder of the budget.The amicus stated that the State's affidavit had to specify reasons for the non-utilization of budget as per previous order, however, he pointed out that the affidavit does not mention it. To this, CJ Aradhe orally remarked “We'll take them to task on the next date…”On a previous occasion, the Court had also directed the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) to file an affidavit regarding steps taken to fill existing vacancies in medical colleges and hospitals.Pursuing the affidavit, Justice Bharati Dangre orally remarked that the affidavit of the MPSC only showed how many posts exist and noted that the issue also concerns the posts not being filled. She said, “What we want is a targeted program where you would be filling up posts within this timeline...”The court kept the matter for a further on 05 February. Case title: High Court Of Judicature At Bombay On Its Own Motion vs. The State Of Maharashtra And Ors (SMPIL/1/2023) Click Here To Read/Download Order

Only 66% Budget Utilized For Medical Infrastructure By State Govt: Bombay HC Told In Suo Moto PIL On Deaths In Govt Hospitals

Sanjana Dadmi

Tags