Mumbai, Oct 4: The Bombay High Court, spurred by a letter from a city-based lawyer highlighting the distressing surge in hospital deaths across Maharashtra, has taken suo-moto cognizance of the matter. In response, a division bench headed by Chief Justice D. K. Upadhyay and Justice Arif Doctor has directed the state’s advocate general to provide details on the budgetary allocation for healthcare in Maharashtra by Thursday.
The urgency behind this directive stems from recent tragic events, particularly the loss of 31 lives, including over a dozen infants, at a hospital in Nanded, and another 18 deaths at Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar hospital. The shocking incidents have triggered widespread outrage throughout the state, with the opposition squarely targeting the Eknath Shinde-led government. The deaths are being termed as ‘murders,’ and there are calls for criminal action against those deemed responsible.
The bench’s decision to take cognizance was prompted by a letter from Advocate Khanna, who highlighted the ‘extraordinary events’ surrounding the 31 deaths and expressed concerns about the overall health situation in the state.
Advocate-General Birendra Saraf, representing the state government, has offered to provide comprehensive details on the matter. The move by the Bombay High Court reflects a proactive stance in addressing the gravity of the situation and underscores the need for transparency and accountability in healthcare services.
