DB dispose of PIL seeking improving of the existing infrastructural facilities of GMC & associated hospitals
JKUT (Jammu), August-21-2021-( JNF):- In a Public Interest Litigation filed by Sumit Nayyar a practicing lawyer seeking direction to respondents to improve the existing infrastructural facilities of Government Medical College and associated Hospitals in Jammu and Kashmir and to take effective measures as expeditiously as possible.
A Division Bench of Jammu & Kashmir High Court Comprising Chief Justice Pankaj Mithal and Justice Sanjay Dhar disposed of the PIL with the observations that it would be appropriate to allow the Government and the Directorate of Health Services to have a free hand to undertake all the above activities and to improve upon the medical and health services in the Union Territory including the remote areas.
When the PIL Came-up for hearing, DB observed that the petitioner alleges that he is a citizen of India and a permanent resident of Jammu & Kashmir. He is a public spirited person who is keen in projecting the grievances of the society and the citizens. He is genuinely concerned with the public issues.
DB further observed that the petitioner, apart from alleging as aforesaid, has not disclosed his credentials as to how he can be recognized as a public spirited person. He has not given details as to the work he is doing; whether he is an income tax assessee or not; and as to what public work he has done in the past.
DB observed that in the absence of such credentials of the petitioner, it is very difficult for the court to allow everyone to raise issues in public interest.
DB further observed that the petitioner by means of this writ petition has shown concern regarding the infrastructure facilities available in the Government Medical Colleges and Associated Hospitals in Jammu & Kashmir. He is seeking direction for release of adequate funds for improving the existing conditions of the Government Hospitals in Jammu & Kashmir especially in Government Medical College, Jammu, as also SMGS Hospital, Shalimar Road, Jammu and for the repairs and up-gradation of the washrooms and toilets in those hospitals.
The respondents have filed response to the petition and it has been stated that in addition to the aforesaid Government Medical College and associated hospitals, the Government has established five new Medical Colleges, one each in Doda, Rajouri, Kathua, Baramulla and Anantnag in order to provide better modernized health care facilities to the public at large. Two more medical colleges have been sanctioned for Udhampur and Handwara. In addition to the above five Medical Colleges, All India Institute of Medical Sciences is being set up at Samba. The establishment of the above new Medical Colleges and the Medical Institute would adequately meet the medical requirements of the Union Territory.
It is also stated that the Government Medical College, Jammu, was established in 1973 and it is duly recognized by the Medical Council of India. At present there are clinical and non-clinical departments in Government Medical College such as Medicine, Surgery, Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology, Radiotherapy, Antirabic, Physiotherapy, Anaesthesia, Forensic Medicine, Radio diagnosis, Physiology, Pharmacology, P&SM, Blood Bank, Pathology, Microbiology, Bio-Chemistry and in SMGS Hospital, the departments of ENT, Pediatrics, Obstt & Gunae and Dermatology are functional. In addition to the above, in Super Specialty Hospital, there are departments of Cardiology, Urology, Nephrology, CTVS, Neurology, Neurosurgery and Endocrinology. The OPD of each of the above departments functions on regular basis from Monday to Saturday. Emergency services are available round the clock.
DB observed that the College and Hospital Administration take all steps to ensure that the facilities to the indoor and outdoor patients are made available in a proper manner and the functioning is reviewed from time to time. The maintenance of infrastructure is taken due care and as far as the toilets, wash rooms and bathrooms are concerned, they have been outsourced to M/s Sulabh International. Sanitation activities are performed round the clock in shifts so that cleanliness and hygiene is maintained. The administration is taking all care to even improve the toilets and washrooms by replacing old commodes and by providing at least one English Seat in every ward especially in SMGS Hospital. About 201 English Seats have already been installed. Few new schemes and projects have also been introduced.
DB observed that in view of the nature of work as stated by the respondents which is being carried out and the extension of medical facilities in the Union Territory, we are of the opinion that it would be appropriate to allow the Government and the Directorate of Health Services to have a free hand to undertake all the above activities and to improve upon the medical and health services in the Union Territory including the remote areas.
DB further observed that the grievance of the petitioner with regard to non-availability of proper infrastructure or improper hygiene conditions in the hospitals are the subject matters within the domain of the Superintendent of the Hospital and the petitioner may always approach the Superintendent and bring to his notice his concern whereupon it is expected that the Superintendent concerned will look into the matter and try to resolve the issues at the earliest. JNF