Delhi High Court Urges Overcrowding Mitigation in Government Hospital Emergency Wards

While directing the Centre to undertake improvements in the infrastructure of hospitals under its control, the court also instructed the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) to enhance medical facilities in its hospitals, with a specific focus on upgrading emergency ward infrastructure. The court directed both the Central and Delhi governments to file their affidavits in the matter within 12 weeks. Now the matter will be heard next on March 13, 2024, reports IANS. 

Last time, the court had directed the Centre to initiate efforts for the enhancement of infrastructure in hospitals under its control in the national capital. The court, addressing concerns related to the safety and security of medical specialists, the violence faced by them, and the shortage of healthcare experts in public hospitals, had stressed on the need for a comprehensive view of the healthcare delivery system. The court had urged both the Union and Delhi governments to undertake necessary improvements in hospital infrastructure, considering the holistic aspect of healthcare delivery.

The bench had also instructed the Delhi government to submit an action taken report on the implementation of recommendations from an expert committee tasked with improving operational standards and treatment methodologies in the government hospitals.

During the hearing, Amicus Curiae Senior Advocate Siddharth Aggarwal had said that the matter encompasses a broad spectrum, requiring an evaluation of the entire healthcare system, particularly in the government hospitals.