LI Network
Published on: December 12, 2023 at 12:43 IST
The Bombay High Court has raised concerns over the state government’s failure to fully utilize the allocated budget for drug and medical equipment procurement, directing officials to ensure that the sanctioned funds are effectively spent.
Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Arif S Doctor expressed their dissatisfaction, highlighting that unspent budgets adversely affect the healthcare system.
In a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) related to two government hospitals in Nanded and Aurangabad districts of Maharashtra, which reported over 50 deaths in four days, the court emphasized the urgent need to fill numerous vacant positions in medical departments to mitigate the impact on healthcare services.
Advocate General Birendra Saraf acknowledged improvements in the procurement process following the establishment of the Procurement Authority under the Maharashtra Medical Goods Procurement Authority Act, 2023.
However, a significant portion of the sanctioned budget for drug and medical equipment procurement remained unspent, according to an affidavit submitted by Dinesh Waghmare, Principal Secretary of the Department of Medical Education and Drugs.
The court highlighted the alarming number of vacancies in medical departments, with about one-third of Group “C” posts, including essential roles like nursing staff and technical positions, currently vacant. Stressing the urgency of filling these positions, the court noted the adverse impact on healthcare facilities and services in state-run hospitals.
The court directed both the State Government and the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) to expedite the recruitment process for filling vacancies.
Additionally, the court sought a detailed affidavit from the State Government, outlining steps taken to fill vacancies and reasons behind the underutilization of the budget. The MPSC was instructed to provide a detailed timeline for completing the recruitment process for posts under its purview.
Acknowledging the appointment of a Chief Executive Officer for the Procurement Authority, the court expressed hope that this move would accelerate the procurement of drugs and medical equipment. The next hearing is scheduled for February 1, 2024.
Case Title: Suo Motu Public Interest Litigation No. 1 of 2023 – High Court of Judicature at Bombay on its own Motion v. State of Maharashtra & Ors
