Nagpur: The Division Bench of Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court, comprised of Justice Avinash G. Gharote and Justice Mukulika Jawalkar, has recently expressed grave concern over issues raised in a note submitted by amicus curiae Anup Gilda on January 24, as part of a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against the State Government and others concerning Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) in Vidarbha, with specific emphasis on GMCs in Nagpur.
The note submitted by Anup Gilda highlighted a concerning practice at the Indira Gandhi Govt Medical College and Hospital (IGGMCH), popularly known as Maho Hospital, Nagpur. According to the note, patients admitted to IGGMCH were allegedly being compelled to obtain blood test reports from private laboratories, despite the presence of a fully functional pathology department at the IGGMCH. The High Court, acknowledging the existence of the pathology department and deeming the grievance seemingly unjustified, has nonetheless issued a stern warning. The Court stated that if the complaint is found to be true, it would be compelled to issue stringent orders in response.
In response to the note, the High Court has directed the Special Counsel Firdos Mirza, representing the State Government, to thoroughly investigate the complaint and submit a comprehensive report to the Court. Additionally, the Court took note that Advocate Mirza had committed to filing a report as per the Court’s order on January 18, 2024, regarding the deployment of additional Security Guards.
Furthermore, the High Court has allowed the Dean of IGGMCH to join as a party respondent in the PIL, recognizing their relevance to the matters at hand. This decision reflects the Court’s commitment to ensuring a comprehensive examination of the issues raised in the PIL.
The Court remains vigilant and has emphasized its commitment to addressing any substantiated grievances, particularly those affecting the healthcare system in the region. The next course of action will depend on the findings presented in the reports scheduled to be submitted by the Special Counsel and the State Government. The High Court continues to play a proactive role in safeguarding the rights and well-being of the citizens in its jurisdiction.
Additional GP Dipak Thakare waived service of this notice on this newly added respondent.
