Recruitment Of Nursing Officers/ Para-Medical Staff Absolutely Crucial For Health Management In Delhi Govt Hospitals: High Court

A division bench of Justices Prathiba M. Singh and Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora ordered, “as and when the results are declared, after completing the necessary formalities, the appointment shall be done on a post-to-post basis without waiting for the recruitment in the other post.”

The observation was made in a 2017 suo moto PIL initiated in the wake of rising incidents of violence against doctors.

The High Court had earlier noted that since the time hospitals were constructed and commenced operations, patient load increased grossly. However, there was no evidence of any change in the numbers of medical experts put in place by those in authority to man these hospitals and provide patient care. As a result, violence against doctors was on the rise.

Over the course of years, the Court issued various directions to ensure proper functioning of these government hospitals, including AIIMS.

On Friday, the Court ordered the Delhi government to advertise vacancies for posts of Audiometric Assistant, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, etc.

It also expressed “serious concerns” over 24 semi-constructed hospital projects where no work is being undertaken.

The Delhi government counsel submitted that with the change of Government, it has been suggested that a committee of technical experts should be constituted to examine the entire issue and available infrastructure and suggest a way forward to complete the projects with all facilities.

The Court thus directed that the Committee be constituted expeditiously and a proper plan along with timelines be placed before it on the next date of hearing.

The Court also took note of a status report dated 26th May, 2025 which records that the Review Committee has been constituted to give a detailed report in respect of the construction of all these hospitals.

“Since more than two months have passed since the said status report has been filed, it is expected that substantial progress would have been undertaken. Accordingly, let an updated status report be placed before this Court,” the Court ordered.

It also ordered Delhi's Health Secretary to appear in Court on the next date, either physically or virtually.

The matter is now listed on 22nd August.

Appearance: Mr. Vishwajeet Singh, Advocate for Mr. Siddharth Aggarwal, Sr. Adv. (Amicus); Ms. Arunima Dwivedi, CGSC with Ms. Himanshi Singh, Adv. for UOI. Mrs. Avnish Ahlawat, SC with Ms. Aliza Alam & Mr. Mohnish Sehrawat, Advs. for GNCTD.

Case title: Court On Its Own Motion v. Union Of India & Ors

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Del) 951

Case no.: W.P.(C) 3903/2017

Click here to read order