Delhi High Court Urges Overcrowding Mitigation in Government Hospital Emergency Wards

Written by Sanchari Chattopadhyay Published On 2023-12-10T15:22:59+05:30 | Updated On 10 Dec 2023 3:23 PM IST

Delhi High Court Urges Overcrowding Mitigation in Government Hospital Emergency Wards

Delhi: In a pivotal observation, the Delhi High Court has underscored the urgency to address overcrowding in government hospitals' emergency wards, emphasizing the need for swift medical assistance to critical patients.

The bench, led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Mini Pushkarna, highlights the crucial necessity to upgrade the overall infrastructure in government hospitals, with a specific focus on emergency wards. A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Mini Pushkarna was hearing a suo motu PIL, initiated in 2017, which was prompted by a news report highlighting the lack of self-defense training for AIIMS doctors.

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The bench stressed the importance of upgrading and enhancing overall infrastructure facilities in government hospitals, particularly in emergency wards. The court noted that the initial hours when critical patients are brought to hospitals are crucial, often referred to as the "golden hours", which can make a significant difference between life and death. It called for urgent measures to augment space, medical facilities, the number of doctors, and medical equipment in emergency wards to meet the needs of patients requiring critical care.

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.

Delhi High CourtDelhi HCovercrowdinggovernment hospitalsPILGovernment of National Capital Territory of DelhiGNCTD

Source : with agency inputs

Sanchari Chattopadhyay

Sanchari Chattopadhyay has pursued her M.A in English and Culture Studies from the University of Burdwan, West Bengal. She likes observing cultural specificities and exploring new places.