The Chhattisgarh High Court has taken serious cognisance of the deplorable state of government hospitals across the State, particularly highlighting alarming deficiencies in healthcare services in the capital city, Raipur. The Court’s action was prompted by multiple media reports, including one from a Hindi daily that exposed the plight of patients at AIIMS Raipur, where individuals reportedly had to wait up to 48 hours after registration just to consult a doctor.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Bibhu Datta Guru expressed grave concern, stating:
"The majority of the population in the State cannot afford costly private healthcare and thus rely heavily on government hospitals. However, patients are facing significant hardships—from registration to consultation. At AIIMS Raipur, the situation is dire, with long queues and excessive delays. Surgeries are reportedly being scheduled four months after diagnosis, and even basic services like X-rays involve a waiting time of three hours."
The Court also referred to additional news reports that revealed further troubling issues, such as the distribution of defective pregnancy kits, substandard surgical equipment, and life-saving medicines that failed laboratory tests but continued to be circulated. The judges remarked:
"The news paints a horrifying picture. If true, it raises serious concerns about the functioning of the State Health Department and the Chhattisgarh Medical Services Corporation (CGMSC)."
In another report cited by the Court, it was revealed that at a Community Health Centre in Bilaspur, although 15 doctors were officially posted, none were present until 11:15 a.m., leaving over 250 patients waiting. Vital medical equipment, including X-ray machines, remained unused for over a year. Additionally, 'Hamar Lab' facilities, designed to provide rapid diagnostic test results, remained largely inoperative due to the lack of reagents, again owing to lapses by the CGMSC.
Taking note of these serious lapses in public healthcare delivery, the Court directed the Secretary of the Health Department, Government of Chhattisgarh, to submit a personal affidavit addressing the issues highlighted in the news reports.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on August 12, 2025.
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