Conduct a survey to ascertain that every allopathic doctor in Odisha possesses the proper and relevant qualification – Orissa High Court to State

The Division Bench of the Orissa High Court, comprising Chief Justice Dr. S. Muralidhar and Justice S K Panigrahi in the case of Odisha State Legal Services Authority v. State of Odisha and Others has ordered the State Government to conduct a survey, which will be undertaken to ascertain that every allopathic doctor practising in Odisha in possesses the proper and relevant qualification.

Reasoning and Decision of the Court

The Court perused the affidavit filed by the Deputy Secretary to Government, Health and Family Welfare Department which lists out the action taken in one particular case of appointment of a doctor without proper degree certificate.

The Court also shows its concern about the World Bank report which entails that at least 51% of the medical practitioners do not possess valid qualifications.

Accordingly, the Bench ordered the State Government to “to come up with a comprehensive plan under which a survey will be undertaken to ascertain that every allopathic doctor practising in Odisha in possesses the proper and relevant qualification. Such a survey should be undertaken in a time bound manner and be concluded preferably within a period of six months”.

The Court ordered the Registrar General to sent a copy of this order to the Addl. Chief Secretary to Government, Health and Family Welfare Department forthwith for compliance.

The Court listed the matter on 27th January, 2023 for next hearing.

Case Details

Case:- W.P.(C) No. 22970 of 2019

Petitioner:-  Odisha State Legal Services Authority

Respondent:- State of Odisha and Others

Counsel for the Petitioner - Mr. Anupam Dash

Counsel for the Respondent -  Mr. Ishwar Mohanty

Judge: Justice S K Panigrahi