Punjab & Haryana HC Seeks Report on Vacancies, Equipment Shortage in Malerkotla Hospital

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed Punjab, Haryana, and the Chandigarh UT to file affidavits outlining their policy on basic medical infrastructure in district hospitals.

Chief Justice Sheel Nagu’s Bench flagged the lack of MRI and CT scan machines at Malerkotla’s district hospital, stressing that providing free medical care is a sovereign function of the state.

The PIL also highlighted staff shortages, prompting the Court to expand the scope of the case. The Punjab government said it had to invite new bids because no one applied earlier, and the Court sought updates on machine ownership and efforts being taken to fill the vacant posts.