Chhattisgarh HC Takes Suo Moto Cognizance of Delay in CIMS Medical Equipment Procurement, Demands Personal Affidavits from Health Secretary & CGMSCL MD

Chhattisgarh HC Intervenes Over Delayed Medical Equipment, Demands Accountability from Top Health Officials

BILASPUR: The High Court of Chhattisgarh has taken suo moto cognizance of a news report highlighting significant delays in the procurement of vital medical equipment for the Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Sciences (CIMS), Bilaspur, despite the state government having approved Rs. 15 crores for the purchase four months ago.

A bench led by Justice Y.S. Thakur, acting on a news item published in 'Dainik Bhaskar', expressed concern over the "hardships" faced by both patients and doctors due to the non-availability of modern machinery. The court has demanded personal affidavits from the Secretary of the Department of Health and the Managing Director of the Chhattisgarh Medical Services Corporation Ltd. (CGMSCL) to explain the delay.

Case Background: A Rs. 15 Crore Approval with No Action

The case, registered as a Public Interest Litigation (WPPIL No. 93 of 2023), was initiated by the High Court after a news report revealed a critical administrative lapse. The CIMS management had submitted proposals totaling Rs. 15 crores to modernize facilities across key departments, including microbiology, pediatrics, surgery, and orthopedics.

While the state government approved the funds, the report stated that "not a single machine has reached the Institute" four months later. This has forced doctors to rely on old, less efficient equipment, impacting the quality and speed of patient care. The CIMS administration reportedly stated that the procurement process is handled at the government level.

Court's Observations and Directives

Justice Thakur's bench took a stern view of the situation, noting the adverse effects of the delay. The court's order emphasized the core issue:

"From the above news report, it transpires that despite availability of sufficient fund, the machines / equipment are not being made available to the CIMS which is causing hardships not only to the patients but also to the Doctors, which could have saved their precious time and energy and more number of patients could have been treated."

In a move to ensure accountability, the court preponed the hearing and issued specific directions. It has ordered the top officials from the Health Department and the CGMSCL to submit personal affidavits detailing the reasons for the procurement delay.

Arguments from the State

Appearing for the state and the CGMSCL, Additional Advocate General Mr. Y.S. Thakur and counsel Mr. Anuroop Panda requested time to seek instructions and file a formal reply to the court's queries.

Final Order and Implications

The High Court has directed the Secretary of Health and the Managing Director of CGMSCL to file their respective personal affidavits before the next hearing. The matter is scheduled for further monitoring on September 18, 2025.

This judicial intervention underscores the crucial role of PILs in holding government bodies accountable for public service delivery, particularly in the healthcare sector. The court's demand for personal affidavits from high-ranking officials signals a zero-tolerance approach to administrative inertia that jeopardizes public health and welfare.