Mumbai: On Saturday, the Bombay High Court directed the state government to provide details about the budgetary allocation for two state departments responsible for health services, after it was revealed that only 6% of the allocated budget for medicines has been used so far in 2024-25.
Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar ordered the state to file two affidavits sworn by responsible officers from the Department of Medical Education and Research (which oversees medical colleges and tertiary care hospitals) and the Public Health Department (which manages secondary and primary level hospitals). The affidavits should also include explanations if any budget allocations were not utilized.
The court was hearing a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) following deaths at two government hospitals in Nanded and Sambhajinagar in September and October 2023. While the judges indicated they would dispose of the PIL with further directions, amicus curiae advocate Mohit Khanna suggested forming a committee of experts, as done in Goa and Delhi. He pointed out similar “sporadic incidents” in other districts, referencing a news report about a pregnant woman dying in a poorly equipped ambulance in Palghar.
Advocate Lara Jesani, representing the NGO Jan Arogya Abhiyan, also supported the idea of setting up a committee. However, the judges expressed reluctance, emphasizing that it was the state’s responsibility, not the court’s, to manage the situation. “Setting up a committee may seem appealing, but it essentially falls under the state’s responsibility,” said the Chief Justice.
Jesani argued that despite the court’s previous directions, little progress had been made, with only a few vacancies filled. She also mentioned that the latest report from Nanded indicated no improvement, with expert doctors still not appointed and recurring incidents. Additionally, she highlighted that only 6% of the medicine budget had been utilized by the government.
In response, government pleader Neha Bhide referred to the state’s latest affidavit, which detailed the budgetary allocation and expenditures. However, the Chief Justice ordered the state to submit updated information.
The judges decided not to dispose of the PIL immediately and instructed the affidavits to include details on vacancies and staffing in medical, non-medical, and para-medical positions across all government hospitals and medical colleges in Maharashtra, broken down district-wise. They also directed the Maharashtra Public Service Commission to provide details of posts under its purview. The next hearing is scheduled for January 29.
