Chandigarh, January 20:
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has instructed the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, to place prominent sign boards across its premises to raise awareness about the Poor Patient Welfare Fund (PPWF).
Observing that many patients at PGIMER are unable to benefit from the PPWF due to a lack of awareness and the high footfall at the hospital, the Court issued specific directives.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sudhir Singh directed the Medical Superintendent of PGIMER to install sign boards at conspicuous locations throughout the hospital premises, including buildings, lifts, passages, roads, reception areas, and OPDs. This step aims to ensure that financially disadvantaged patients can easily access information about the PPWF and avail its benefits.
The directives came in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by a law student, highlighting the plight of a poor patient, Ravindra Kumar. Kumar, a labourer suffering from heart issues, had an Automated Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (AICD) implanted several years ago. He lost his job due to his deteriorating health, and the AICD’s battery, which needed urgent replacement costing ₹3 lakhs, had depleted. The PIL noted that Kumar was unable to seek assistance from authorities or donors for the replacement.
Following the Court’s intervention in December 2024, the AICD battery was procured through the PPWF at PGIMER and successfully implanted.
An affidavit filed by the Medical Superintendent of PGIMER revealed that from April 1, 2024, to December 2024, ₹3,50,86,171 out of a total ₹3,73,94,385 allocated under the PPWF had been utilized.
Noting that many patients remain unaware of this facility due to lack of proper dissemination, the Court emphasized the need for procedural changes to facilitate easier access to the PPWF benefits. It directed the Medical Superintendent to file a compliance report regarding these procedural improvements within four weeks.
About The Author
