Court Emphasises Need for Real-Time Emergency Information
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has directed the state government to explore how citizens can access real-time information on ICU beds, doctors, OPD and IPD services through the Health Management Information System (HMIS) software.
The directive came while a division bench of Chief Justice Prabha M. Singh and Justice Maneet Pritam Singh Arora was hearing a 2017 suo motu PIL concerning violence against doctors and non-availability of ICU beds.
Citizens Still Forced to Visit Multiple Hospitals
The bench noted that the lack of immediate access to hospital data continues to force patients, particularly those in need of ICU care, to go from hospital to hospital in search of treatment.
The court suggested that information should be made available via a web-based or mobile application so patients can directly reach hospitals where treatment is available.
Govt Asked to Submit Detailed Report
The Health Secretary informed the bench that the recommendations of the Dr. S.K. Sarin Committee had been factored into the HMIS software. However, the Court directed the AIIMS director to convene a meeting of all stakeholders and file a status report.
The report must specify:
- Total modules planned under HMIS.
- Modules implemented so far and their status.
- Pending modules with expected timelines for rollout.
- Whether a patient using the helpline can be directly routed to hospitals with available beds and specialists.
Recruitment of Doctors, Paramedics Not to be Delayed
Separately, the Court directed the UPSC to continue the recruitment of radiologists and submit dossiers to the Delhi Government. It reiterated that appointments should be made post-to-post immediately after results are declared, without waiting for other recruitments.
Earlier, the bench had termed the recruitment of nursing and paramedical staff “extremely necessary” and instructed the government not to allow any delay in the process.
Next Hearing on October 31
The matter will now be heard on October 31, 2025. The court reminded the state that since hospitals were established in Delhi, patient numbers have multiplied, but there has not been a proportionate increase in doctors and specialists, contributing to rising violence against healthcare professionals.
