The Punjab and Haryana High Court, led by Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry, reviewed the State of Punjab’s compliance on staffing and infrastructure at Civil Hospital, Malerkotla. While noting that 20 Medical Officers had been posted, the Court questioned whether the transfer of 9 officers depleted staff elsewhere and demanded a fresh affidavit explaining the government’s plan to address backfilling.
The Court expressed concern over specialist doctor shortages, with temporary arrangements made for Gynecology, Radiology, Ophthalmology, and Pathology. The Court also questioned how patient care would be ensured on days when such specialists were not available.
On equipment, the Court noted that e-tenders for CT and MRI machines had failed, prompting a direction to the Principal Secretary to clarify Punjab’s policy on minimum infrastructure at district hospitals and the rationale behind outsourcing versus State-owned equipment.
Given the significance of the issue, the Court extended the scope of the PIL to cover all districts of Punjab, Haryana, and the U.T. of Chandigarh. Affidavits from the respective authorities have been sought before the next hearing on 19 August 2025.
Appearances:
Mr. Bhisham Kinger (petitioner-in-person).
Mr. Vipin Pal Yadav, Additional Advocate General, Punjab.
Mr. Deepak Balyan, Additional Advocate General, Haryana.
Mr. Abhinav Sood, Advocate for U.T., Chandigarh.