Advocate Rapolu Bhaskar has submitted a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) raising critical concerns about the deplorable state of the Government Maternity Hospital in King Koti. The PIL draws attention to the hospital’s chronic neglect and its inability to provide basic healthcare facilities to pregnant women and newborns, a failure that disproportionately affects economically weaker sections who rely on public hospitals for affordable medical care. Bhaskar argued that such negligence constitutes a violation of the fundamental right to health under Article 21 of the Constitution.
The petition highlights that the hospital, despite catering to a large number of patients, is plagued by insufficient infrastructure and resources. Overcrowding in wards has led to patients sharing beds or being forced to lie on the floor, compromising their comfort and safety. Furthermore, the hospital lacks basic amenities such as clean drinking water, functional toilets, and proper ventilation, creating an environment unfit for recovery and childbirth. The absence of these facilities not only exacerbates the physical discomfort of patients but also exposes them to a higher risk of infections and complications.
Advocate Bhaskar emphasized that the shortage of medical equipment is another glaring issue. Critical devices such as fetal heart monitors, neonatal incubators, and emergency obstetric equipment are either unavailable or in disrepair. This lack of essential tools has resulted in delayed or inadequate treatment for patients in urgent need, sometimes with fatal consequences. For example, the unavailability of ventilators for newborns has forced families to seek expensive treatment in private hospitals, pushing them into financial distress.
The PIL also sheds light on the acute shortage of trained medical professionals. The hospital operates with a skeleton staff, with an insufficient number of gynecologists, anesthetists, pediatricians, and nurses to cater to the growing patient load. This shortage not only delays medical attention but also increases the burden on the existing staff, leading to exhaustion and errors in patient care. Bhaskar argued that this situation violates the right to equitable and timely access to healthcare services.
Sanitation and hygiene in the hospital premises remain another area of concern. Bhaskar noted that the hospital’s waste management system is practically nonexistent, with medical waste often disposed of improperly, creating hazardous conditions. Poor cleanliness in wards and delivery rooms further endangers the health of both mothers and infants, increasing the risk of hospital-acquired infections. These unhygienic conditions reflect a systemic failure to maintain even the most basic healthcare standards.
The PIL calls for immediate judicial intervention to address these issues comprehensively. Bhaskar urged the court to direct the government to conduct a thorough audit of the hospital’s resources, infrastructure, and staffing. He recommended that sufficient funding be allocated to upgrade the hospital’s facilities, including the procurement of essential medical equipment and medicines. He also proposed a recruitment drive to fill vacant positions for medical and paramedical staff, ensuring that the hospital is adequately equipped to meet the needs of its patients.
Bhaskar further stressed the importance of establishing strict hygiene protocols and regular monitoring mechanisms to ensure accountability. He suggested forming an independent committee comprising healthcare professionals, government officials, and civil society representatives to oversee the hospital’s functioning and recommend improvements. Additionally, he proposed introducing public grievance mechanisms to allow patients and families to report lapses in care.
Advocate Bhaskar’s PIL seeks not only to address the immediate failings of the King Koti Maternity Hospital but also to highlight systemic issues in public healthcare delivery. By holding the authorities accountable and demanding structural reforms, the petition aims to improve healthcare outcomes for vulnerable populations and restore faith in public hospitals as reliable providers of quality care.