Court mandates urgent redistribution and recruitment to address healthcare disparities in rural and underserved areas.
In a significant ruling addressing the healthcare inequities in the State of Haryana, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the AYUSH Department to undertake a comprehensive redistribution of Ayurvedic Medical Officers (AMOs) across the state. The decision was delivered by Justice Sandeep Moudgil in response to a petition highlighting the uneven deployment of medical personnel, which has led to a deprivation of healthcare services in rural and underserved areas.
The Court observed that the right to health and medical care is an integral part of Article 21 of the Constitution of India, thereby obliging the State to ensure accessible and functional healthcare facilities for all its citizens. It was noted that public health and hospitals fall within the State List as per Schedule VII of the Constitution, thus making it a fundamental responsibility of the State to address the imbalance in healthcare services.
Data presented before the Court revealed a concerning scenario where certain healthcare centers had surplus medical officers, while others, particularly in rural areas, were understaffed or completely devoid of medical personnel. Justice Moudgil emphasized that healthcare cannot remain a theoretical assurance but must translate into actual availability of medical services, thereby securing the right to life for citizens.
The Court directed the Director, AYUSH Department, Haryana, to conduct a uniform redistribution exercise of the 97 surplus AMOs to locations with greater need, particularly in rural areas. This process is to be completed within two weeks, with a compliance affidavit to be filed by May 27, 2026.
Additionally, the Court addressed the issue of over 603 vacant AMO positions, despite the recruitment process being completed in 2025. The Additional Chief Secretary of the AYUSH Department has been tasked with explaining the delay in filling these vacancies and providing a timeline for addressing the shortfall. Interim measures are also to be proposed to ensure continuity of healthcare services.
The judgment signifies a critical step towards ensuring equitable healthcare access in Haryana, reinforcing the State's constitutional obligation to uphold the fundamental right to life.
Bottom line:-
Right to health and medical care is an integral part of Article 21 of the Constitution of India, and public healthcare falls under the State List (Entry 6, List II) in Schedule VII of the Constitution. The State has a constitutional obligation to ensure equitable access to healthcare facilities, maintain functional medical institutions, and address staff shortages to uphold the fundamental right to life.
Statutory provision(s): Article 21 of the Constitution of India, Schedule VII Entry 6 List II of the Constitution of India
Satyavati v. State of Haryana, (Punjab And Haryana) : Law Finder Doc id # 2901926
