Background of the Directive
The court's intervention stems from a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Divya Sharma, a law student, who highlighted the plight of Ravindra Kumar, a laborer suffering from severe heart ailments. Kumar had previously undergone the implantation of an Automated Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (AICD), the battery of which had depleted. Facing unemployment due to his health condition, Kumar was unable to afford the Rs. 3 lakh required for the battery replacement. The PIL underscored the challenges faced by indigent patients in accessing financial assistance for critical medical procedures.
Court's Observations and Orders
Presiding over the case, Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sudhir Singh observed that a significant number of patients remain unaware of the PPWF due to inadequate information dissemination within the hospital. To address this gap, the court directed the Medical Superintendent of PGIMER to install conspicuous signboards across various locations, including lifts, passages, roads, reception counters, and Outpatient Departments (OPDs). These signboards aim to inform and guide poor patients about the availability and application process of the PPWF.
Implementation and Compliance
In response to the court's directives, PGIMER's Medical Superintendent submitted an affidavit detailing the utilization of the PPWF. Between April and December 2024, out of the allocated Rs. 3,73,94,385, a substantial Rs. 3,50,86,171 was utilized to assist needy patients. Despite this significant expenditure, the court noted that many eligible patients could not benefit from the fund due to a lack of awareness. Consequently, the court has mandated PGIMER to revise and simplify the procedures for availing the PPWF and to submit a compliance report within four weeks.
Implications for Healthcare Accessibility
This judicial intervention underscores the critical role of information dissemination in healthcare accessibility. By directing PGIMER to proactively inform patients about the PPWF, the court aims to bridge the gap between available resources and those in dire need of financial assistance for medical treatments. The case also highlights the importance of institutional responsibility in ensuring that welfare schemes reach their intended beneficiaries.
Conclusion
The Punjab and Haryana High Court's directive to PGIMER marks a proactive step towards enhancing healthcare equity. By mandating the installation of informative signboards and streamlining the application process for the Poor Patient Welfare Fund, the court seeks to ensure that financial constraints do not impede access to essential medical care for the underprivileged. This initiative serves as a model for other healthcare institutions to adopt similar measures, fostering an inclusive and informed healthcare environment.
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