Jammu: Taking serious note of reported procedural bottlenecks that have delayed the installation of advanced magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) and Positron emission tomography(PET) scan facilities in Government Medical Colleges across Jammu and Kashmir, the High Court of Jammu &Kashmir and Ladakh directed the Health and Medical Education Department to file a detailed affidavit detailing the progress achieved so far and the steps being taken to expedite the process.
A Division Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Kumar and Justice Mohd Yousuf Wani passed the direction while hearing a suo motu Public Interest Litigation(PIL) concerning issues in the healthcare sector. The matter was brought to the Court’s notice by the amicus curiae through an application citing a media report that the installation of advanced MRI and PET scan facilities in Government Medical Colleges of Jammu and Kashmir was facing procedural hurdles due to shortage of funds and specialised manpower.
The Bench directed the respondents in the Health and Medical Education Department to examine the issue and place on record the progress made in procuring and installing the advanced diagnostic machines in various Government Medical Colleges of the Union Territory. The Court also expressed concern that none of the respondents had filed a response in compliance with its earlier order dated May 18.
On a request made by counsel for the respondents, the Bench granted four weeks to the Jammu Power Development Corporation, Health and Medical Education Department and other respondents to submit their replies. The Kashmir Power Development Corporation was also directed to file its response within the same period. The High Court further ordered all respondents to submit updated status reports addressing both the directions contained in the May 18 order and the issues raised in the PIL.
