'Punjab Not Truly Discharging Duty To Provide Free Medical Aid': High Court Seeks Affidavit On Vacant Posts In Govt Hospital

The Punjab & Haryana High Court has sought an explanation from the Punjab Government as to why out of 39 sanctioned posts in Punjab's Malerkotla Civil Hospital only 2 medical officers are posted. 

Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Harmeet Singh Grewal said, "It is obvious that the sovereign function of the State of providing free medical aid to the patients is not being discharged by the State in its true sense."

The Court directed the Chief Secretary to the Government of Punjab, to file an additional affidavit, explaining why the sanctioned posts, which were increased from 10 to 39 Medial Officers, have not been filled up in the last so many years.

"Looking to the gravity of situation, the Chief Secretary to the Government of Punjab is directed to appear in person virtually before this Court on the next date of hearing and explain the default," it added.

The Court was hearing a PIL filed by Bhisham Kinger highlighting the acute shortage of medical officers and deficiency in services in Government Hospital of Punjab's Malerkotla.

In pursuance of the Court's direction the Chief Secretary had filed an affidavit, pursuing the same the bench found that it "shows a dismal picture of incumbency and vacancy position in Civil Hospital, Malerkotla, where against 39 sanctioned posts of Medical Officer (General), only 02 Medical Officers are presently posted."

The Court noted that It is not disputed by the State counsel that out of 225 Medical Officers, who have recently joined pursuant to the recruitment, which took place vide advertisement issued in the month of August 2024, not even one has been posted at Civil Hospital, Malerkotla.

As regards deficiencies in the medical infrastructure, the Court noted that by referring to the reply filed by way of affidavit of the Senior Medical Officer, Civil Hospital, Malerkotla, "it is pointed out by the petitioner, who is appearing in person, that even the facilities of CT scan and MRI are not available in Civil Hospital, Malerkotla, as the patients requiring these facilities are referred to Civil Hospital, Sangrur."

The additional affidavit, directed to be filed by the Chief Secretary, is also expected to contain an explanation as regards the aforesaid deficiency, the bench added.

While listing the matter for March 04, the Court said that "It is well known that CT scan and MRI are no more facilities which are available only in big Hospitals, but should be available in Civil Hospitals at District level as well as Sub Division level."

Mr. Bhisham Kinger – Petitioner in person.

Mr. Anurag Chopra, Addl. Advocate General, Punjab.

Title: Bhisham Kinger v. State of Punjab and others

Click here to read/download the order