The Allahabad High Court has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to initiate a high-level inquiry against all doctors of Moti Lal Nehru (MLN) Medical College, Prayagraj, found to be engaging in private practice.
A Single-Judge Bench of Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal, while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on Monday, observed that the deteriorating condition of the state-run Swaroop Rani Nehru (SRN) Hospital is not due to a lack of funds but because of the “medical fraternity” failing the government’s objectives.
The Court expressed grave concern over reports that senior medical faculty, including professors and lecturers, are operating a “parallel medical industry” in Prayagraj. The Bench noted that these government doctors are allegedly performing surgeries at private nursing homes and transferring patients from the government-run SRN Hospital to private setups for personal gain.
“The professors, associate professors and lecturers are practising in private nursing homes and are running a parallel medical industry in the city of Prayagraj. These doctors are performing surgery and keeping the patients in private set up, who are transferred from the Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital,” the Court observed.
The Bench highlighted that while the state government has provided necessary amenities and funds, the conduct of the medical staff has led to the decline of the attached hospital’s services.
The Court’s attention was drawn to a recent FIR lodged on April 29 against Dr. Santosh Kumar Singh, an Associate Professor in the Surgery Department of MLN Medical College, and his wife, Elakshi Shukla. The FIR alleges that Dr. Singh performs surgeries at Acura Hospital, where his wife serves as the Director.
The Court noted that this PIL was originally initiated following allegations against another faculty member, Professor Dr. Arvind Gupta, for treating patients at a private facility despite a ban on private practice for government doctors.
The Court also scrutinized the progress of infrastructure projects at SRN Hospital. It pulled up the UP Rajkiya Nirman Nigam for failing to complete two floors of the cardiology department, a project that commenced in 2006. Furthermore, the Bench directed the Chief Secretary to monitor various construction activities that have remained unfinished for 20 years despite the release of funds.
Regarding the expansion of MLN Medical College, the State Counsel informed the Court that “no objection” certificates have been obtained from all concerned departments for the transfer of 31,314 square meters of land. The matter is expected to be placed before the Council of Ministers for final approval soon.
The Court has ordered the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh to:
- Set up a high-level inquiry against defaulting doctors.
- Take appropriate action against those found violating the ban on private practice.
- Intimate the Court regarding the progress of the inquiry and construction monitoring by the next date of hearing.
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on May 26, 2024.
