Court Urges Government to Act Swiftly to Prevent Healthcare Crisis
Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court has voiced serious concerns regarding the deteriorating state of medical facilities across Uttar Pradesh, urging the state government to take immediate corrective measures before the situation worsens. The remarks came during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) focused on healthcare infrastructure in the state.
Focus on Lucknow Neglects Other Cities, Court Observes
While acknowledging the development of medical infrastructure in the state capital Lucknow, the court criticized the government for neglecting other cities. “It seems the entire focus is on Lucknow, while people in other cities have to seek treatment in Lucknow or even Delhi,” Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal noted. He emphasized that taxpayer money should be distributed equitably across the state rather than concentrated in a single city.
Directions to Government Officials for Immediate Action
The court directed the principal secretary of medical education and health, who was absent at the hearing, to appear before the bench on July 1. The official was ordered to provide a detailed report on efforts to improve conditions at the 42 medical colleges and associated hospitals throughout Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, the principal secretary was instructed to personally visit all medical colleges to assess their infrastructure needs firsthand.
Focus on Prayagraj’s Medical Infrastructure and Kumbh Mela Preparations
Special attention was drawn to Prayagraj’s medical facilities, particularly the Swaroop Rani Nehru (SRN) Hospital linked with Motilal Nehru Medical College. The court urged a proposal be submitted to expand SRN Hospital from 1,250 beds to at least 3,000 beds in preparation for the next Kumbh Mela in 2031. This follows the revelation that over 66 crore people visited Prayagraj during this year’s Mahakumbh.
The court expressed concern that despite Prayagraj’s importance as a religious and tourist hub, its healthcare infrastructure remains neglected compared to Lucknow and Gorakhpur.
Call for Strengthening Primary Health Centres and Establishing a Regional Institute
The court also highlighted the dire condition of primary health centres (PHCs) across the state, many of which are reportedly non-functional, causing undue strain on medical colleges’ hospitals. The principal secretary was ordered to inform the court of plans to bolster PHCs.
Moreover, the court suggested that the government consider establishing an advanced medical institute similar to the Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) in the Prayagraj region to serve neighboring districts, as patients currently need to travel to Lucknow or Delhi for specialized care.
Government Faces Challenge of Infrastructure, Not Staff
The court noted that while doctors are available in many medical colleges, inadequate infrastructure and medicine shortages prevent proper treatment. The state government has been tasked with submitting a comprehensive budget disclosure for all medical colleges, including premier institutions like SGPGIMS and King George’s Medical College.
The case is scheduled for further hearing on July 1, with several key officials expected to present progress reports on improving the state’s healthcare system.
