Delay in completing AIIMS Jodhpur Trauma Centre: HC criticizes State Govt, warns of Rs 50 crore penalty

Jodhpur: Strongly criticising the state government for its prolonged delays in completing the trauma centre at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Jodhpur, the Rajasthan High Court has issued an ultimatum to the state by giving it one final chance to submit an affidavit explaining the delays.

Granting one last opportunity to the state in the interest of justice, the court hinted at imposing a hefty penalty of Rs 50 crore and initiating action for criminal negligence against the officials if appropriate measures are not taken.

The warning was issued after the state government failed to complete the construction of "critical infrastructure projects" particularly the trauma centre. Medical Dialogues team had reported in 2023 that PM Modi inaugurated crucial health projects to strengthen the region's health infrastructure.  

Also read- PM lays foundation stone Trauma Centre and Critical Care Hospital Block at AIIMS, Jodhpur, announces several other projects

A notable project includes the 350-bed 'Trauma Centre and Critical Care Hospital Block' at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur. Developed at an expense of over Rs 350 crore, this integrated centre for Trauma, Emergency, and Critical Care will offer comprehensive facilities ranging from diagnostics, daycare, private rooms, ICUs, and modular operating theatres, to dialysis areas.

However, the project remains unfinished allegedly grabbing the right of the people in the state to get access to basic medical and diagnostic facilities. They are unable to access essential medical facilities due to the ongoing delays in completing the infrastructure. 

“But even though this Court is of the firm opinion that the present case is that of criminal negligence and requiring imposition of a cost of Rs. 50 crores upon the State, as indicated above, but in the interest of justice, before issuing any direction in this regard, one last opportunity is given to the learned AAG to file an affidavit before the next date, which will enable the Court to conclude its directions regarding the cost and actions for complete failure in public duty," stated by the division bench of Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Munnuri Laxman.

As per The Law Advice news report, the court was hearing a plea regarding infrastructural issues at AIIMS Jodhpur while delivering the statement. The bench emphasized that the 'Right to Health' is an integral part of the Right to Life and Liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. It asserted that the right to health is a fundamental human right inherent to one's existence as a human being.

Furthermore, the court highlighted that "As a welfare state, and in alignment with the Preamble of the Constitution and the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs), the State has an obligation to establish an effective mechanism for the overall public welfare."

According to the court, AIIMS did not provide adequate healthcare services due to a lack of adequate infrastructure. "The apathetic attitude of the concerned governments in addressing the obstacles hindering the effective operation of the institution. Extremely concerning to note that the people are being deprived of access to basic medical and diagnostic facilities and are made to wait in queues with a waiting period of over 1-2 months, which is violative of their fundamental right to live with dignity.”

Disappointed with the state government's lack of interest in the completion of the project, the bench expressed empathy for the residents of the western region who are unable to access essential medical facilities due to the ongoing delays in completing critical infrastructure projects at AIIMS Jodhpur, particularly the trauma centre. 

Further, the court expressed its shock at the state’s failure to address the relocation of high-tension electrical lines, which has stalled the construction of the trauma centre for over 16 years. It stated that this critical facility, spanning 54,358 square meters, remains incomplete despite its potential to save hundreds of lives annually.

Scheduling the next hearing on February 6, 2025, the court said, "The learned Additional Advocate General shall obtain necessary instructions from the competent authority of the State of Rajasthan regarding the circumstances that have halted the trauma centre's construction for 16 years, directly impacting the potential life-saving capabilities for a large number of citizens, and ensure that the high-tension lines are removed in a time-bound manner to facilitate the completion and immediate operationalization of the trauma centre."

Also read- Increase Posts, Hold Recruitment after NEET PG Counselling: Rajasthan Doctors Urge Govt