HC directs govt to publicise schemes in health sector

The Madras High Court which today directed the state government to publicise those existing schemes on health sector that are available and take steps to make awareness about all the schemes.
The direction was given by the First Bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice T S Sivagnanam closed a PIL by one R Janakiraman seeking to direct the Secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare to fill up the vacancies in the Government Dharmapuri Medical college Hospital and in all the Government Maternity Hospitals and Primary Health Centers.
The petitioner expressed concern over the lack of adequate medical facilities for infants, which resulted the death of six infants at Dharmapuri Medical College Hospital. In Salem Government Hospital eight babies have passed away in a week, the petitioner submitted.

The contended that there was lack by the Government in filling up of vacancies to the post of Gynaecologist, Paediatricians and other doctors.
He sought a direction to the government to ensure basic facilities, as also necessary equipment, not only in the Dharmapuri Government hospital, but in all hospitals and primary health centres of the state.
The government its counter affidavit said the babies were under-weight and mothers were at a very young age.

The Bench after perusing the affidavit filed by the Government in its order said "we may note that almost each case has been separately dealt with in the affidavit giving the details of what assistance were provided."

The bench while dealing with the filling up of vacancies in its order said "we are assured that the existing vacancies are to be shortly filled in, as the vacancy position has been sent to the Recruitment Board."
The bench then in its order said "on perusal of aforesaid materials, we are satisfied with the steps which have been taken by the State Government and no further directions are required, though we appreciate the concern expressed by the petitioner.