In a scathing indictment of the healthcare system in Prayagraj, the Allahabad High Court on Friday observed that the city is in the “grip of medical mafias,” and went so far as to describe the Swaroop Rani Nehru (SRN) Hospital as a “mortuary” rather than a functional medical facility.
Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal, hearing a matter related to the deteriorating state of healthcare services, remarked that the SRN Hospital, which is attached to Motilal Nehru Medical College, is in a “pathetic condition.” He stated that poor and helpless patients are being misled and dragged by touts, allegedly operating under the influence of private medical mafias, to private hospitals and are being denied proper treatment in government-run facilities.
“Prayagraj is under the grip of medical mafias. The government medical setup is under great threat from the private medical mafias of the city,” the bench noted.
The court was acting on a report submitted by two amicus curiae, appointed earlier to inspect the SRN Hospital. The report pointed to severe inadequacies in the hospital’s infrastructure and a lack of availability of doctors in the Outpatient Department (OPD).
Taking serious note of the findings, the court issued several directions aimed at improving the state of SRN Hospital and the overall public health system in Prayagraj. The High Court ordered the Principal Secretary, Medical and Health, Uttar Pradesh, to inform the Chief Secretary and, if required, place the court’s order before the Chief Minister for necessary action.
Justice Agarwal pointed out the alarming mismatch between public health capacity and the population demands of Prayagraj, especially during large religious gatherings.
“Prayagraj just witnessed the Mahakumbh in January-February 2025. SRN Hospital is just one kilometre from the mela area. As per the state estimate, around 66.30 crore pilgrims took a holy dip at the Sangam. It was by the grace of God that no untoward incident occurred. There was practically no medical facility available,” the court stated.
The court further commented on the structural rot in the system, observing:
“Prima facie, this court finds that the nexus between private medical mafias and medical officers and staff of the SRN Hospital has practically crippled the infrastructure and working conditions.”
Highlighting the lack of political will, the court criticized elected representatives from Prayagraj, including ministers in the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet, for their indifference toward the crumbling public healthcare in their own constituency.
“The representatives of people in Parliament and State Legislature from Prayagraj are also not taking any keen interest in the welfare and well-being of the citizens,” Justice Agarwal said.
The High Court also directed the District Magistrate to form a team of officials tasked with monitoring faculty members of the medical college—professors, associate professors, assistant professors, readers, and lecturers—to ensure they are not engaging in unauthorized private practice.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on May 29.
