Security Guard Administered Injection to Patient at District Hospital- Chhattisgarh HC Seeks Response
Chhattisgarh High Court
Raipur: In a suo motu public interest litigation concerning the condition of the Bilaspur District Hospital, the Chhattisgarh High Court recently took note of a news report regarding an incident at the Gariyaband District Hospital, where a security guard reportedly administered an injection to a patient.
Taking cognisance of the incident, the Division bench of Chhattisgarh High Court, comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Bibhu Datta Guru directed the District Magistrate of Gariyaband to file an affidavit outlining the steps undertaken in this connection and further specifying the preventive measures instituted to obviate recurrence of such lapses in the District Hospital.
Also Read: HC Flags lapses at Chhattisgarh Govt Hospitals, seeks Health Secretary's Response
The initial PIL regarding the condition of Bilaspur District Hospital was started by the HC bench after a news item was published in a newspaper mentioning that thyroid testing at Bilaspur District Hospital had been closed for the last three months due to a lack of reagents. Similarly, Hamar Lab, established in Bilha Matru Shishu Hospital, had no pathologist for tests such as blood-urine and stool tests. Allegedly, when patients came to the OPD for treatment, or testing or even those who were admitted, were being sent to private labs outside the hospital for tests, SCConline has reported.
Apart from this, on 05.08.2025, the HC bench also took note of various news reports concerning the issues faced by patients in multiple hospitals, especially AIIMS, Raipur. Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that, taking serious note of recent media reports highlighting alarming conditions at government hospitals across the state, particularly in Raipur, and the Court directed the state’s Health Secretary to submit a personal affidavit addressing the concerns.
Even though the PIL was listed for a hearing on 17.09.2025, a news report published in Dainik Bhaskar, Bilaspur on 22.08.2025, prompted the court to take up the matter earlier.
In the said news report, captioned ‘गरियाबंद: नर्स की जगह गार्ड लगा ही थी मीज को इंजेक्शन, र्सीएमएचओ-सिर्सवि ल ’ र्सर्जन को नोवि र्स , the incident of a security guard administering an injection to a patint in the place of the staff nurse was highlighted.
The incident came to light when a former Municipal Councilor, who had accompanied his nephew for treatment, captured the act on camera and circulated the photograph, which soon went viral.
Terming it a "disturbing incident", the Court observed that the news further indicated that the Collector, taking cognizance of the matter and in view of the embarrassment caused to the Health Department, issued show-cause notices to the Chief Medical and Health Officer, Dr. V.S. Navratna, and the Civil Surgeon, Dr. Yashwant Dhruv, warning of disciplinary action
However, the Court observed at this outset, "Though show-cause notices have been issued to the Chief Medical and Health Officer as well as the Civil Surgeon, the incident in question raises grave concern touching upon the very functioning, supervision, and integrity of the District Hospital. The spectacle of a security guard administering an injection in place of a trained nurse is not only a clear breach of medical ethics and professional standards, but also a stark reflection of systemic failure in ensuring accountability and adherence to established protocols of patient care."
"Such a lapse imperils the trust of the public in government medical institutions and undermines the safety of patients who seek treatment therein. The issuance of notices, by itself, cannot be regarded as an adequate response, unless it is accompanied by tangible and effective remedial measures aimed at strengthening institutional monitoring, fixing responsibility upon delinquent officials, and putting in place mechanisms that categorically prevent recurrence of such incidents in future," it further noted.
Accordingly, the Court asked the District Magistrate to file an affidavit specifying what action has been taken in the matter. It ordered, "The District Magistrate, Gariyaband, is directed to file a personal affidavit by the next date of hearing, outlining the steps undertaken in consequence of the show-cause notices issued to the Chief Medical and Health Officer and the Civil Surgeon, and further specifying the preventive measures instituted to obviate recurrence of such lapses in the District Hospital."
"Learned State Counsel is directed to forthwith apprise the District Magistrate, Gariyaband, of this order so as to ensure timely compliance and filing of the personal affidavit within the stipulated period," the HC bench further directed.
Even though the matter was earlier directed to be listed on 17.09.2025, having regard to the circumstances, the bench listed it for further hearing on August 28, 2025.
To view the order, click on the link below:
https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/wppil-no-17-of-2024-298866.pdf
