The Delhi High Court has directed the city government to submit a comprehensive chart detailing the diagnostic and radiological facilities available across all government hospitals in the national capital, raising concerns over functionality and delays in critical medical services like X-rays, CT scans and MRIs.
A division bench of Justices Prathiba M Singh and Manmeet P S Arora passed the order on January 8 while hearing a suo motu case initiated in 2017 concerning the lack of critical care infrastructure in Delhi’s public healthcare system.
The court specifically sought clarity on:
- The list of all government hospitals in Delhi;
- The diagnostic and radiological equipment available (X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI);
- Whether the machines are currently functional;
- Availability of trained technicians;
- Number of patients who underwent these tests during calendar year 2025.
The bench noted complaints about considerable delays in the delivery of radiological test reports and asked the Delhi government to examine the issue closely and submit a report.
During the proceedings, the Delhi government’s counsel informed the court that patients facing more than a three-day wait for radiological services are referred to 35 empanelled diagnostic centres, where services are provided free of cost. An amount of ₹80 crore was reportedly disbursed to these centres last year.
However, the court expressed dissatisfaction with the response, noting that the government had failed to clarify whether all these centres were equipped to conduct essential diagnostic services.
“There is no clarity on whether these 35 diagnostic centres are capable of carrying out radiological services, such as ultrasound, X-ray, MRI and CT scan, which are very basic services needed for patients,” the court observed.
It directed the government to furnish detailed data on:
- The names and services available at the 35 centres;
- The number of patients referred by government hospitals who availed services there.
In a significant move to enhance transparency and accessibility, the court also asked the Delhi government and the National Informatics Centre (NIC) to explore the feasibility of creating a mobile application that provides real-time data on emergency services, trauma care, and bed availability in government hospitals. The app, the court said, should be accessible to the public, ambulance operators, police personnel, and private hospitals.
To address the chronic shortage of medical staff, the court directed the UPSC and DSSSB to fast-track recruitment of medical officers, specialists, and non-teaching staff. It also instructed the authorities to ensure timely filling of vacancies in hospital leadership roles by planning well before retirement dates.
The bench further urged efficient implementation of central health schemes like Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) and PM-ABHIM in Delhi. It also asked the government to clarify the current status of the Delhi Arogya Kosh (DAK) scheme.
The court also raised concern over pending civil construction work at the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital, noting that more than ₹550 crore had already been spent. It sought a status report on the completion of the project following meetings between the Public Works Department and the health department.
The matter is now listed for further hearing on February 13. The High Court’s continued monitoring underscores its intent to ensure timely and efficient public healthcare delivery in the capital, particularly in critical diagnostic and trauma care.
