Why private laboratory engaged when State must provide CT scans, MRIs? HC asks Govt

Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has expressed concerns over the reliance on private companies for essential diagnostic services, such as CT scans and MRIs at the Civil Hospital in Malerkotla. The court questioned why a private laboratory was engaged when it is the state’s duty to provide such basic healthcare facilities.

A division bench, consisting of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sumeet Goel observed that in modern times, CT scan and MRI services are fundamental facilities that should be available at district and sub-division level hospitals. However, these essential services are currently unavailable at the Civil Hospital.

The court was also informed that due to the lack of these basic facilities, the Civil Hospital has been outsourcing them to Krishna Diagnostic Laboratory.

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In response, the bench remarked, "This Court fails to understand as to why a private Laboratory is required to be engaged, when the State is duty bound under its sovereign function of providing basic health care facilities (which includes purchase of CT scan and MRI machines), which in present times are necessities of modern time hospital amenities to be available at District as well as Sub Division level hospitals."

The order was passed while the court was hearing about a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Bhisham Kinger, who personally appeared before the court. Through his plea, Bhisham highlighted the acute shortage of medical officers and deficiency in services in the Malerkotla civil hospital.

Punjab’s Chief Secretary, K.A.P. Sinha, joined the hearing virtually and submitted an affidavit stating that 19 medical officers (general) had been posted at the hospital. However, the court noted that their joining letters had not been filed and directed the government to furnish them before the next hearing.

In the last hearing, the Court had asked the Punjab Government as to why out of 39 sanctioned posts in the hospital only 2 medical officers are posted.

The next hearing for the matter has been listed for March 24.

To view the official court order, click on the link below:

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