Delhi High Court Orders GNCTD to Make Sure Jan Aushadhi Kendras Are Established in Every Hospital in Delhi.
The Delhi High Court has instructed the GNCTD to set up Jan Aushadhi Kendras in every hospital in Delhi. The Court looked into the progress of the Dr. Sarin Committee Report aimed at improving clinical services in the city. The Bench reviewed the minutes from a meeting on November 5, 2024, led by the Director of AIIMS, which included officials from AIIMS, GNCTD, and other parties. Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora noted, “Regarding the opening of Jan Aushadhi Kendras in each hospital, we have examined the discussions recorded and listened to Mr. Rahul Mehra and Mr. Satyakam on this matter. We believe that the Dr. Sarin Committee’s recommendation to establish a Jan Aushadhi Kendra in every hospital is well-founded. There are no valid reasons against this proposal. The convenience for patients and their caregivers of having a Jan Aushadhi Kendra in each hospital is clear.”
Senior Advocates Rahul Mehra and Siddharth Aggarwal represented the Respondents. The GNCTD stated that “The committee’s recommendations for opening Jan Aushadhi Kendras in hospitals have not been fully accepted by HM (H&FW), but he has suggested mapping hospitals with existing kendras. This does not align with the committee’s recommendations. The Hon’ble Court has already ruled that the final decision on implementing the Sarin Committee’s recommendations will be made by the Director of AIIMS.”
The GNCTD reported that out of 231 specialist vacancies in 17 specialties, 117 specialists were hired on a contract basis. The remaining 114 vacancies are noted, and the regular recruitment through UPSC is in progress. AIIMS suggested a one-week orientation for contract specialists and a one-month program for regular doctors. Additionally, GNCTD mentioned that the hiring of 762 paramedics and 701 nursing staff has been approved and is pending their joining.
The Court observed that there was no valid reason given to oppose the establishment of a Jan Aushadhi Kendra in every hospital. It emphasized the importance of having these centers for the convenience of patients and their caregivers. Regarding the expansion of the Delhi Aarogya Kosh (DAK) to include non-trauma agencies, Mr. Rahul Mehra, Senior Advocate, and Mr. Satyakam, Additional Standing Counsel, stated that GNCTD has agreed to the suggestions in principle and will work on approval and implementation soon. The Court then instructed that GNCTD should not revisit the decision to implement the Dr. Sarin Committee recommendations, as this would delay the process. GNCTD is directed to ensure that Jan Aushadhi Kendras are established in each hospital within four weeks. The High Court has scheduled the next hearing for December 11, 2024.
Cause Title: Court On Its Own Motion v. Union Of India & Ors.
