'General Hospitals Mainstay For Citizens, To Be Maintained As Centres Of Excellence': Kerala HC In Plea Seeking Permanent Team Of Cardiac Surgeons

A plea has been moved in the Kerala High Court seeking directions to be issued to the State authorities to appoint a proficient Cardiac Surgeon team to lead the cardiac surgery department at General Hospital, Ernakulam, and to take prompt measures to appoint a skilled team of cardiac doctors on a permanent basis.

When the matter came up before Justice Devan Ramachandran on Wednesday, the Court remarked that General Hospitals should be maintained as 'centres of excellence'. 

"The General Hospitals are the mainstay of the medical requirements of ordinary citizens; and surely, therefore, are require to be maintained as splendid centres of excellence," the Court observed. 

The petitioners argue that despite the General Hospital, Ernakulam, being fully equipped for various surgeries, including cardiac procedures, the hospital is unable to conduct them effectively due to a lack of available Cardiac Surgeons.

During the hearing, Government Pleader Sunil Kuriakose informed the Court that no post of Cardiac Surgeon had ever been created by the General Hospital, Ernakulam, or in any institutions under the Director of Health Services. He added that cardiac surgeries are being done in the Hospital with the aid of Surgeons from other institutions, including the Medical Colleges in the State. The Counsel thus sought time to place on record the details of the same,  through a written statement/pleading. 

The Court expressed its willingness to grant more time to the Government Pleader but noted the importance of certain aspects that should be considered. General Hospitals play a pivotal role in providing medical services to the general public, and it is crucial to maintain them as centres of medical excellence.

The General Hospital, Ernakulam, is reportedly well-equipped and has continued to perform cardiac surgeries, albeit with the assistance of Surgeons from other facilities. It came to the Court's attention that some highly experienced Surgeons are willing to volunteer their services at General Hospital, Ernakulam, on specified dates. However, this would require a decision by the hospital superintendent and relevant authorities in the hierarchy.

The Government Pleader informed the Court that the competent authorities are already considering offers from senior Surgeons willing to provide their services to the hospital.

The matter has been posted for further consideration on October 12, 2023. 

The plea has been moved through Advocates C.R. Sivakumar, S. Soorya Gayathry, and Hari R. 

Case Title: Human Rights Foundation & Anr. v. State of Kerala & Ors. 

Case Number: WP(C) NO. 31662 OF 2023(G)

Click Here To Read/Download The Order