In a proactive move, the Bombay High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the alarming number of deaths occurring at the state government-run hospitals in Nanded and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. A division bench comprising Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Arif Doctor has promptly sought detailed information from the Maharashtra government regarding these distressing incidents.
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The court directed Advocate General Birendra Saraf, representing the state government, to present the details of the state’s budgetary allocation for healthcare on Thursday. This decision followed a letter submitted by advocate Mohit Khanna, urging the court to take suo motu cognizance of the deaths.
Initially, the bench instructed Khanna to file a formal petition and expressed its intention to issue effective orders in response. The court also requested the advocate to compile data on hospital vacancies, medicine availability, government expenditure percentages, and related aspects.
However, during the afternoon session, the bench independently decided to take suo motu cognizance of the matter, emphasizing that the reasons cited by doctors at the hospitals – such as shortages in beds, staff, and essential medicines – were unacceptable.
According to Khanna’s letter, a staggering 31 deaths, including infants, were reported at the Dr Shankarrao Chavan Government Medical College and Hospital in Nanded within just 48 hours starting from September 30. Additionally, the letter highlighted the tragic occurrence of 18 patient deaths, including infants, between October 2 and 3 at the Government Medical College and Hospital in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
The Bombay High Court has scheduled a hearing for this critical matter on Thursday, indicating the urgency and seriousness with which it is addressing the situation. The court’s proactive stance reflects its commitment to ensuring the well-being and safety of patients in government hospitals, emphasizing the importance of accountability and swift action in the face of such distressing incidents.
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