Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court, hearing a PIL concerning the construction of a hospital in Prayagraj, was informed by Uttar Pradesh govt about plans to build a Trauma Centre of Motilal Nehru Medical College on MG Marg.After hearing the parties, Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal observed, “Prayagraj is in desperate need of a hospital, for which this PIL is being heard.”State govt submitted a timeline of 180 days for approval of the detailed project report (DPR) and selection of a contractor for the proposed construction.Expressing dissatisfaction over the pace of progress, the court observed that the laxity shown by govt officials was “not appreciable”. The court directed the principal secretary, planning and development, UP govt, to personally look into the matter and file an affidavit detailing measures taken to expedite the process.The court said it expected the principal secretary to take steps to shorten the timeline and ensure the project proceeds with urgency, given the healthcare needs of residents of Prayagraj and adjoining districts.The court also expressed concern over the delayed construction of the children’s wing at Sarojini Naidu Children Hospital. In its Aug 20 order, the bench noted: “This court is amazed at the way UPSCIDCO is functioning with regard to the construction of the children’s wing (Sarojini Naidu Children Hospital), which has been ongoing for the last seven years.”The court directed the Managing Director of UPSCIDCO to file a personal affidavit by the next hearing, disclosing the steps taken and explaining why assurances given in open court had not been fulfilled.The matter has been listed for further hearing on Sept 1.
