Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Wednesday directed the Additional Chief Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department to file an affidavit explaining how the state government proposes to address the shortfalls pointed out by the State Council for Clinical Establishments regarding public hospitals.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Syam Kumar V M was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking better safety standards at public medical facilities following the collapse of a building at the Kottayam Medical College.

During the hearing, the State Attorney informed the Court that a consolidated report prepared by the Grievance Redressal Committee has been submitted. The report, based on inspections conducted by the Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KeLSA) through the District and Taluk Legal Services Authorities, highlights several deficiencies in government hospitals and health centres across the State.

The report categorised the issues identified into four areas: infrastructure, shortage of staff, shortage of medicines and equipment, and adequacy of premises. The Court observed that the infrastructural and physical conditions of several hospital buildings require special attention, followed by staff and equipment shortages.

The State Council for Clinical Establishments, in its communication to the Additional Chief Secretary, also divided the identified issues into three categories: those requiring immediate action, mid-term improvements, and long-term improvements.

Recording that the report has been submitted to the state government, the Bench observed: “A response from the state is necessary. Even the Council has underscored the urgency for intervention. The government must formulate a methodology to address the issues raised in this report as per the prioritisation suggested by the Council for Clinical Establishments. Apart from the physical condition of the buildings, shortage of medicines and equipment is also of equal importance.”

The Bench further directed the Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, to file an affidavit outlining the government’s plan of action and methodology to address the deficiencies highlighted in the report. The Court orally added: “We do not expect you to address each and every issue immediately. But we want to know how you propose to go about it, what is the plan of action, and which issues will be prioritised? KeLSA has done commendable work here. Now, it’s for the State to take it forward.”

During the hearing, the counsel representing KeLSA also pointed out that the website of the Grievance Redressal Committee, though functional, is not user-friendly. The Court added this submission to its interim order and directed the State to take steps to improve online access to the grievance portal.

The matter has been posted for further hearing on November 21.
(With LiveLaw inputs)