The Delhi High Court has directed the Delhi Government to expedite recruitment against 1,855 vacant posts across government hospitals, including 645 General Duty Medical Officers (GDMOs), 406 non-teaching staff and 804 paramedical staff, while emphasising the need to address staff shortages affecting hospital functioning.
A Division Bench of Justice Prathiba M. Singh and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora also directed the Government to increase the capacity of the Centralised Accident and Trauma Services (CATS) toll-free helpline 102 by adding 10 helpdesk lines and corresponding manpower, taking the total capacity from 30 to 40 seats for round-the-clock assistance to patients seeking information about ICU bed availability.
The Court noted that the helpline receives approximately 2,000–2,300 calls every month, with around 300–500 calls getting dropped every week. It directed the Delhi Government to complete the expansion within four weeks.
On hospital administration, the Court expressed concern that Dr. N.C. Joshi Memorial Hospital and Guru Nanak Eye Centre were functioning without regular Medical Superintendents or Medical Directors. It directed the Chief Secretary, Delhi Government, to ensure that appointments are made by November 30, 2026. The Court also directed that appointments in seven society-run hospitals be completed by November 25, 2026.
Taking note of the vacancies, the Court directed the Delhi Government to send requisitions to the UPSC within two weeks for recruitment of GDMOs and non-teaching staff. The UPSC was asked to initiate the recruitment process without waiting for its annual recruitment cycle. Meanwhile, contractual recruitment across the three categories of staff is to be completed within two months.
The Court also took note of the shortage of technically qualified manpower, observing that several pieces of medical equipment lying unused in government hospitals could not be put to use due to the lack of trained personnel. It directed five major hospitals: LNJP, GTB, DDU, G.B. Pant and Sanjay Gandhi Hospital—to submit requisitions for required and unutilised equipment by November 30, 2026.
Flagging the shortage of radiologists in Delhi Government hospitals, the Bench asked the Health Secretary to assess the feasibility of outsourcing radiology tests, including MRI, ultrasound and scans, to private facilities while ensuring that such services remain free for patients and are funded by the Government. The Secretary was also asked to examine whether contractual salaries could be increased to attract more candidates.
Further, the Court directed the Medical Superintendents/Medical Directors of all 38 government hospitals to hold a meeting on November 16, 2026, and submit a common report suggesting measures to ensure the availability of adequate staff and medical equipment. It also directed the concerned authorities to maintain adequate waiting lists during the recruitment process to address instances of selected candidates not joining.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on December 17, 2026.
