Mumbai: Bombay High Court on Wednesday directed the state govt to inform whether it will spend the amount sanctioned in the health budget before March 31.

Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Bharati Dangre were hearing a suo motu PIL initiated after deaths, including those of children, in two govt hospitals in Nanded and Sambhajinagar last Sept-Oct. They took note of amicus curiae advocate Mohit Khanna's submission that the public health department, which runs secondary and primary level hospitals, was disbursed 60per cent of the sanctioned grant. NGO Jan Arogya Abhiyan's advocate Lara Jessani said only 7.5per cent was utilised for medicines and medical supplies.

Govt pleader Neha Bhide said the state will endeavour to spend the remaining amount before the financial year ends. "Why wait till March 31?... You are aware if the budget doesn't get spent, the grant goes back. We know the tactics in the govt,'' said Justice Dangre.

The judges also questioned how the govt expects hospitals to tender for medical supplies and equipment in such a short time. "So many people depend on govt hospitals... A patient waiting for some treatment in Nov will not survive till the money comes," said Justice Dangre.

Jessani also submitted a chart of hospitals in seven districts that showed more than 40per cent vacancies in all posts. The judges directed the state to file a compliance affidavit giving a timeline within which recruitment of doctors and nursing staff willl be completed. The reply will also indicate the amount of the sanctioned budget and whether it is possible by March 31 to spend it.

• Published On Feb 6, 2025 at 12:44 PM IST

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