Affidavit from Health Secretary Sought
The Chhattisgarh High Court has expressed serious concern over alarming conditions in state-run hospitals, particularly in Raipur, and has directed the state Health Secretary to submit a personal affidavit addressing the issues. The next hearing is scheduled for August 12, 2025.
Media Reports Trigger Early Hearing
Originally slated for August after its June 10 hearing, the case was advanced following a July 13 report in a Hindi daily detailing severe lapses at AIIMS Raipur — including 48-hour waits to see a doctor, surgeries delayed for four months, and three-hour waits for X-rays. The report stressed that such delays cause immense hardship, especially for patients unable to afford private healthcare.
Faulty Kits, Substandard Medicines Alleged
A July 24 Navbharat report alleged that defective pregnancy kits, substandard surgical items, and lifesaving drugs failing lab tests were still being distributed despite directives to halt supply from the offending company.
Neglect at Bilha CHC Exposed
A Haribhoomi report highlighted poor conditions at the Bilha Community Health Centre in Bilaspur district, where 15 doctors were on the roster but none were present until 11 a.m. on August 4, forcing over 250 patients to wait for hours. Specialist doctors were unavailable, and the X-ray machine had been unused for a year.
Labs Barely Functional Due to Shortages
The court noted that “Hamar Lab,” equipped to perform 71 diagnostic tests, is limited to just 11–12 due to a shortage of reagents from CGMSC. Surgical wards remain underutilized at night due to the absence of doctors despite round-the-clock duty requirements.
Court’s Stern Warning
Terming the situation “seriously concerning” if proven true, the court remarked that it reflects poorly on the functioning of the Health Department and CGMSC, and it demanded a comprehensive explanation from the Health Secretary before the next hearing.
