Court Directs State Government to Ensure Adequate Ventilator Availability and Improve Healthcare Facilities
In a landmark judgment aimed at fortifying the healthcare infrastructure across Uttar Pradesh, the Allahabad High Court, in its Lucknow bench, has issued directives to the State Government to reassess and improve the allocation of medical resources, with a particular focus on the adequacy of ventilators in hospitals. The judgment, delivered by Justices Rajan Roy and Manjive Shukla, comes in response to a Public Interest Litigation filed by "We The People," represented by Prince Lenin.
The court underscored the fundamental nature of health as a basic human need, integral to the Right to Life enshrined under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. The judgment highlights the critical requirement for sufficient medical facilities, emphasizing that no patient should suffer due to the unavailability of ventilators, a crucial life-support mechanism.
The court has instructed the State Government to revisit the allocation and availability of ventilators in hospitals, ensuring that they are available whenever needed. It stressed the importance of having a robust mechanism to ascertain the daily demand and supply of ventilators to prevent fatal outcomes.
Moreover, the court has sought detailed disclosures regarding the budget allocation for healthcare facilities across the state's hospitals. It has also directed autonomous hospitals like King George Medical University and Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institution to evaluate and enhance their healthcare infrastructure.
The judgment further addresses the disparity in the salary structures of government doctors compared to their counterparts in private hospitals, urging the Union and State Governments to reconsider the pay structure to retain talent in public healthcare.
Additionally, the court has taken note of the regulation of private medical hospitals and clinics, ordering the Union of India to respond on the existing regulatory mechanisms and the need for statutory regulations to oversee private healthcare operations.
The court's directives include a call for decentralizing super speciality hospitals to make advanced medical facilities accessible to residents across various districts, thereby easing the burden on major hospitals in Lucknow.
The case is scheduled for further hearing on May 25, 2026, with the court expecting comprehensive affidavits addressing these issues. The judgment opens avenues for the involvement of the Oudh Bar Association, inviting their suggestions to improve the healthcare system.
Bottom Line:
Public Interest Litigation - Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India - Adequacy of ventilators and medical facilities in hospitals - State Government directed to revisit allocation of medical resources and improve healthcare infrastructure in hospitals throughout Uttar Pradesh.
Statutory provision(s): Article 21 of the Constitution of India, National Medical Commission norms
We The People v. State of U.P., (Allahabad)(Lucknow)(DB) : Law Finder Doc id # 2887154
