Court Orders Expedite of Power Supply to Facilitate Medical Equipment Usage and Initiates Probe into Private Practice by Government Doctors
In a significant ruling, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court has directed immediate stabilization of power supply to several district hospitals to expedite the installation of essential medical equipment, including 128 Slice CT Scan Machines. The court's decision was made in response to delays caused by the non-availability of the requisite 150 KVA three-phase permanent power supply, which has hampered the commissioning of these vital machines, leading to public suffering.
The court emphasized the responsibility of the Jammu Power Development Corporation Limited (JPDCL) and Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (KPDCL) to ensure the necessary power supply. It has ordered both corporations to file specific affidavits regarding compliance and obtain necessary permissions to facilitate the process. The Managing Directors of JPDCL and KPDCL have been added as party respondents to ensure accountability.
The court expressed concern over the undue delay, noting that nearly two months had passed since the delivery of the machines without any substantial progress. The delay has adversely affected the general public, particularly the economically disadvantaged, who rely on these facilities for critical medical diagnostics and treatment.
In a related issue, the court addressed allegations of private practice by government-employed doctors. An inquiry report revealed that Dr. Vipan Mangotra, a senior official at the Government Medical College, Jammu, was engaged in private practice contrary to established norms and a 2013 government order. The court has ordered a deeper investigation into systemic irregularities, as it was noted that private practice among government doctors is widespread.
The Health and Medical Education Department has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Dr. Mangotra, highlighting irregularities in his professional conduct. The court has called for a comprehensive affidavit to be submitted, detailing the extent of non-compliance among medical professionals.
The case has been adjourned to June 2, 2026, with the court instructing all involved parties to prepare and submit the necessary documentation for further proceedings.
Bottom line:-
Failure to install and commission medical equipment due to non-availability of requisite power supply causes undue delay, leading to public suffering. Authorities must ensure timely completion of civil and electrical works and stabilization of power supply to facilitate the operation of such equipment.
Statutory provision(s): Administrative Law, Service Law, Role of Power Development Corporations, Government Order No. 43-HME of 2013
