HC takes up Suo Motu PIL on Non-Functional Lifts in Government hospitals
Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet
Shimla, Nov 17,
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of a serious issue affecting patient accessibility in government hospitals, after receiving a representation alleging that elderly persons and infirm patients are unable to use lifts because the only functional elevator in some hospitals is reserved exclusively for staff and doctors. Acting on the matter, a Division Bench of Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Jiya Lal Bhardwaj initiated Public Interest Litigation (CWPIL No. 117 of 2025) on Monday, observing that the situation, if correct, raises grave concerns regarding patient dignity and access to essential medical facilities.
The court noted that the representation specifically mentioned that in at least one government hospital the lift meant for doctors and staff remains operational while the lift designated for public use is non-functional, forcing elderly and physically weak patients to climb multiple floors to access medical services. Taking the issue seriously, the Bench directed respondent No. 2, the competent authority within the Health Department, to file an affidavit detailing the number of multi-storeyed government hospitals across the State, along with the status of their lifts and whether properly functioning public-access lifts are available for patient use.
The Advocate General, Anup Kumar Rattan, assisted by Deputy Advocate General Sidharth Jalta, appeared for the State and assured the court that the matter would be addressed. The High Court has now sought a comprehensive response on the functioning and availability of lifts in government hospitals, signalling that patient convenience and safety cannot be compromised due to administrative lapses or infrastructural neglect. The matter has been listed for further hearing on December 29, 2025.
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