The Delhi High Court’s stern warning to Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj and Health Secretary SB Deepak Kumar underscores the court’s frustration with their failure to comply with judicial orders regarding the regulation of clinical establishments. The court’s admonishment, coupled with the threat of potential imprisonment, reflects the seriousness of the matter at hand.
The court’s rebuke of the minister and secretary’s “large egos” and admonition against engaging in “brinkmanship” highlights the need for them to prioritize the welfare of the common citizen over internal power struggles. The court’s emphasis on the suffering of ordinary people due to the lack of regulation in clinical establishments serves as a reminder of the real-world consequences of bureaucratic inefficiency and political infighting.
Furthermore, the court’s suggestion for the Delhi government to consider implementing the central government statute, The Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010, if delays persist in enacting the Delhi Health Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Bill, demonstrates a practical approach to addressing the pressing issue of unregulated laboratories and diagnostic centers.
The court’s firm stance against the perception of using the judicial process as a strategic tool by the government officials reinforces the principle that the judiciary is not a pawn to be manipulated for political gain. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of genuine commitment to resolving issues affecting public health and safety.
Overall, the high court’s admonishment serves as a wake-up call for the Delhi government officials to prioritize the interests of the people they serve and to take immediate action to address the regulatory gaps in the healthcare sector, ensuring the delivery of quality healthcare services to all citizens.
