High Court Questions Delay in Relieving Doctors for Gas Relief Hospitals

High Court Questions Delay in Relieving Doctors for Gas Relief Hospitals

High Court Inquires About Delayed Relieving of Doctors for Gas Relief Hospitals

Background

In a significant development, the MP High Court has raised concerns over the state government's delay in relieving 15 doctors from the health department to the gas relief department. This issue was brought up by senior counsel Naman Nagrath, representing NGOs working with Bhopal gas victims.

The Core Issue

  • Order and Delay: An order was issued on June 27, 2024, to send 15 doctors, including 5 specialists and 10 medical officers, on deputation to the gas relief department. However, these doctors have not yet been relieved from their current positions.
  • Court's Directive: The High Court, led by Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva, has demanded clarification from the state government regarding this delay.

Impact on Healthcare

  • Healthcare Vacancies: The court has emphasized the need to fill vacancies at gas relief hospitals and the Bhopal Memorial Hospital & Research Centre (BMHRC), which is administered by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
  • Court's Previous Orders: Both the state and union governments have been repeatedly directed to ensure adequate medical staff at these facilities to provide proper healthcare to gas victims.

Deputation of Doctors

  • Purpose: The deputation of doctors is aimed at addressing the shortage of medical professionals in gas relief hospitals.
  • Current Status: Despite the issuance of the deputation order, it has been allegedly put on hold by the gas relief minister, Vijay Shah. This hold has occurred even though the High Court is also handling a contempt petition regarding the non-compliance with previous directives on this matter.

Financial and Administrative Issues

  • Funding Concerns: The court has inquired about the corpus funds available with the Bhopal Memorial Trust (BMT), which managed BMHRC before it was taken over by the union government in 2010.
  • Next Hearing: The court has scheduled the next hearing for August 7, where further clarifications and updates are expected.

Conclusion:

The delay in releasing doctors for gas relief hospitals is a critical issue that impacts the healthcare of Bhopal gas victims. The High Court's intervention underscores the urgent need for administrative action to ensure that medical facilities are adequately staffed and capable of providing necessary care.

By addressing this issue, the state government can significantly improve the healthcare services available to those affected by the Bhopal gas tragedy, ensuring timely and effective medical intervention.