Jaipur: Expressing concern over serious deficiencies in the infrastructure, safety and functioning of govt-run medical institutions across Rajasthan, the Rajasthan High Court has sought a detailed response from the state govt on a public interest litigation alleging noncompliance with mandatory healthcare and safety standards.A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma and Justice Maneesh Sharma issued notices to the state while hearing a PIL filed by advocate Aseem Simlote on Thursday. The bench directed the state govt to file its reply and listed the matter for further hearing on Aug 10. The bench also directed the Principal Secretary, Medical, to file an affidavit detailing the steps taken to ensure compliance with the recommendations contained in the CAG Report No. 4 of 2024 and all other applicable statutory norms governing govt healthcare institutions. Notices were accepted on behalf of the state by Additional Advocate General Vigyan Shah. The matter has been listed for further hearing on Aug 10, 2026.The petitioner, a law student in Jaipur, appeared in person and alleged that govt hospitals across Rajasthan are not functioning in accordance with the Indian Public Health Standards, Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules and mandatory fire safety norms, despite repeated warnings by the Comptroller and Auditor General in its 2024 report. “The shortcomings identified by the CAG remain largely unaddressed, exposing patients to avoidable risks,” he argued.“Timely implementation of the CAG recommendations could have prevented several tragic incidents, including reported deaths of children after consuming govt-supplied medicines and the fire incident at the SMS Hospital Trauma Centre. Although a fire safety notification was issued after the SMS Hospital incident, effective implementation on the ground remains lacking,” he argued.The petitioner also informed the court that during a personal visit to SMS Hospital, visible infrastructural deficiencies such as broken ceilings and poor maintenance were noticed, indicating continued noncompliance with prescribed safety standards and official directions. “There should be a strict enforcement of Indian Public Health Standards norms, biomedical waste management rules and fire safety protocols in all govt healthcare institutions across the state,” he pleaded in the petition.Apart from improving hospital safety, the PIL has also sought the formulation of a uniform compensation policy for victims of medical negligence and hospital-related incidents, arguing that the absence of a standard compensation mechanism results in unequal treatment of affected patients and their families.Taking note of the submissions, the High Court termed the matter a serious public concern and sought the state’s response.
