Decentralise purchase of medical essentials: HC tells Maha Govt

The matter came forth while investigating the unavailability of IV fluids, masks, gloves, medicines, besides medical equipment and gadgets at the government hospitals in the Vidarbha Region.

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The bench of Justices Sunil Shukre and GA Sanap noted, "The State of Maharashtra, while granting such permission, can also impose additional regulations, including fixation of the financial limits, out of abundant precaution. We, therefore, expect the finance department of the State of Maharashtra to decide on the matter per the law, and as indicated hereinabove, at the earliest, and inform the court accordingly in due course of time."

The special public pleader submitted, "that after the court had expressed its concerns, a meeting was held by the Secretary, Medical Education, and necessary directions were issued by him, as a result of which there is now a lot of improvement in the stock of medicines, IV fluids and other essentials at all the hospitals."

In addition to appreciating the effort, the court agreed with the Amicus Curiae, AJ Gilda, who stated that "it is time for the finance department to decentralize the process of procurement and empower the deans of government hospitals and medical colleges in the Vidarbha Region to purchase medical essentials at their level."

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The court has been passing various directions in the case in response to the petitions filed in the last two decades. The decentralisation of medical supplies was first ordered in 2017, reports India Today.

In the meantime, FT Mirza, the Maharashtra government's advocate, told the court that the finance department was actively reviewing the matter, but it had not yet processed the case.

The finance department has been asked to inform the court in three weeks. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for February 15.

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