The requisition specifically seeks the services of a number of specialists from different fields such as Cardiologists, Ortho, ENT etc.
A bench comprising Justices MR Shah and CT Ravikumar was hearing a PIL, which sought additional health facilities for lawyers. The Court also refused to extend the benefit under Central Govt Health Scheme to lawyers, saying that those services are available only to Central governement employees.
During the previous hearing, the Court had asked the Registry to file a report on the existing medical facilities.
The Registry's report revealed that at present the Delhi Govt Health Centre is there in the premises providing services including emergency services to advocates and litigants.
"...a detailed report has been submitted by the Registry in which it is stated that a Delhi Government Health Centre is in existence in the Low Security zone of the Main Campus of Supreme Court of India for extending medical facilities including emergency response mechanism to advocates, litigants and others."
In addition, there are two doctors, one senior pharmacy officer, one pharmacist, one ANM and one Nursing Orderly available in the Centre.
There are 10 rooms in the centre namely - five Doctors' room, one laboratory, one dressing room, one pharmacy room, one ANM and one storeroom. It was further pointed out that all emergency cases from DGHC are referred to Casualty Lok Nayak Jai Prakash and GB Pant hospitals.
It was informed that all regular medicines are available in DGHC. It was also reported that two well equipped ambulances are available 24/7 in the court premises.
The Bench seemed satisfied with the facilities provided in the Centre.
"On going through the report submitted by the Registry, it appears that full medical facilities and services are being provided under the Delhi Government Health Centre Scheme."
"No further order is required to be passed except directing the Health Secretary, Delhi Government to consider the communication dated 19.11.2022 and to take further steps as per the request, at the earliest", the bench ordered while disposing of the writ petition.
Case Title: Reepak Kansal vs UOI | WP (C) 1064/2022
Citation : 2023 LiveLaw (SC) 23
For Petitioner(s) Mr. Pravir Choudhary, AOR Mr. Reepak Kansal
Headnotes
Heath facilities for Supreme Court lawyers- CGHS health facilities cannot be extended to lawyers- Court records satisfaction with health facilities in the Court campus-Asks the Health Secretary, Delhi Government to consider and decide the requisition moved by the Supreme Court Registry seeking additional health facilities in the Supreme Court premises such services of a number of specialists from different fields such as Cardiologists, Ortho, ENT etc.
