Court Urges Affidavit Submission on Timelines and Feasibility; Considers Reimbursement Cap Increase Under Dr. N.T.R. Vaidya Seva Scheme
In a landmark directive, the Andhra Pradesh High Court has called upon the State Government to expedite the introduction of Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT) facilities in government-run hospitals. This directive came as a response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Guntha Venkata Sai Kumar, highlighting the absence of BMT services in government hospitals, which has made this critical procedure inaccessible to financially disadvantaged patients.
The PIL underscores the prohibitive costs associated with BMT in private hospitals, making it unaffordable for many who require the treatment. Currently, the procedure is included under the Dr. N.T.R. Vaidya Seva Scheme, with reimbursement limits set at Rs. 11,00,000 for patients above 14 years and Rs. 10,00,000 for those below 14 years. However, the petitioner argues that these caps are insufficient, given the high expenses involved.
During the hearing, the petitioner, representing himself, pointed out that neighboring states have successfully established government-run BMT units, offering these lifesaving services at minimal or no cost. This prompted the court to question why a progressive state like Andhra Pradesh has not yet implemented similar facilities.
Presiding over the case, Chief Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur and Justice Sri Challa Gunaranjan ordered the State Government to file an affidavit detailing the timeline and feasibility for introducing BMT facilities in government hospitals. The court also suggested that the government reassess the financial reimbursement limits under the Dr. N.T.R. Vaidya Seva Scheme to provide better support to patients requiring this treatment.
The learned Special Government Pleader for the State, Smt S. Pranathi, informed the court that the government is contemplating the introduction of BMT services in government hospitals. The court has scheduled the next hearing for February 18, 2026, by which time the affidavit is expected to be submitted.
This directive marks a significant step towards making advanced medical treatments more accessible to all citizens, reflecting the court's commitment to addressing public health disparities and ensuring equitable healthcare access.
Bottom Line:
Public Interest Litigation - Lack of provision for Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT) in Government-run hospitals highlighted - Court directs filing of affidavit regarding timelines and feasibility of introducing such specialized treatment in Government hospitals.
Statutory provision(s): Public Interest Litigation.
