'Systemic Failure': Chhattisgarh HC Takes Suo-Motu Cognisance Of News Report On Security Guard Giving Injection To Patient At District Hospital
The Chhattisgarh High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of a news report published in a Hindi daily pertaining to an incident at District Hospital, Gariyabad, where a female security guard was allegedly found administering injection to a patient in place of a staff nurse.Noting that the incident raises grave concern upon “the very functioning, supervision, and integrity of the...
The Chhattisgarh High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of a news report published in a Hindi daily pertaining to an incident at District Hospital, Gariyabad, where a female security guard was allegedly found administering injection to a patient in place of a staff nurse.
Noting that the incident raises grave concern upon “the very functioning, supervision, and integrity of the District Hospital”, a division bench of Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Bibhu Datta Guru observed:
“The spectacle of a security guard administering an injection in place of a trained nurse is not only a clear breach of medical ethics and professional standards, but also a stark reflection of systemic failure in ensuring accountability and adherence to established protocols of patient care. Such a lapse imperils the trust of the public in government medical institutions and undermines the safety of patients who seek treatment therein.”
The incident came to light when a former Municipal Councillor captured the alleged act on camera and circulated its photograph which is stated to have gone viral. The news report indicated that the Collector after taking cognizance of the matter and in view of the embarrassment caused to the Health Department, had issued show-cause notices to the Chief Medical and Health Officer and the Civil Surgeon warning of disciplinary action
However, the Division Bench noted,
“The issuance of notices, by itself, cannot be regarded as an adequate response, unless it is accompanied by tangible and effective remedial measures aimed at strengthening institutional monitoring, fixing responsibility upon delinquent officials, and putting in place mechanisms that categorically prevent recurrence of such incidents in future.”
Accordingly, the Court directed the District Magistrate to file a personal affidavit– outlining the steps undertaken in consequence of the show-cause notices issued, and further specifying the preventive measures instituted to obviate recurrence of such lapses in the District Hospital.
The matter is now listed on 28.08.2025 for further hearing.
Case Details:
Case Number: WPPIL No. 27 of 2024
Case Title: In The Matter Of Suo Moto Public Interest Litigation v. The State Of Chhattisgarh