PIL Urges Delhi HC to Activate Rs 400-Cr Super Specialty Block at RML Hospital
A PIL filed in Delhi HC demands the swift opening of RML Hospital's Rs 400-crore Super Specialty Block, citing patient care disruptions.
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been submitted to the Delhi High Court, requesting urgent action for the operationalisation of the Super Specialty Block at Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital. The block, completed at a cost of approximately Rs 400 crore, remains non-functional, affecting patient care, according to the petition.
Alleged Delays and Patient Impact
Filed by Social Jurist, a civil rights group represented by advocates Ashok Agarwal and Kumar Utkarsh, the PIL asserts that the delay in opening the facility has led to the underutilisation of significant healthcare infrastructure funded by taxpayers. The petition highlights that public hospitals are grappling with overcrowding and a shortage of beds, while the demand for specialised treatment continues to rise.
The Super Specialty Block was designed to expand RML Hospital's capacity from 1,532 to 2,198 beds, adding 666 new beds. It also includes 18 operation theatres, advanced diagnostic services, and a dedicated oncology department with a PET-CT facility. Despite the substantial completion of infrastructure, regulatory and administrative clearances are still pending, delaying its operationalisation.
Legal and Constitutional Concerns
The petition argues that the inaction violates Articles 14 and 21 of the Indian Constitution by denying citizens timely access to healthcare and leaving a major public healthcare investment idle. It references a Supreme Court ruling in Paschim Banga Khet Mazdoor Samity v. State of West Bengal, which mandates the state's duty to provide adequate medical facilities.
According to the PIL, the delay has persisted for over a year, as reported by a Times of India article on April 10, 2026. Despite a representation submitted on June 22, 2026, urging authorities to address deficiencies and complete statutory requirements, no substantial action has been taken.
Demands for Immediate Action
The PIL seeks a court directive for the immediate removal of regulatory deficiencies and the acquisition of necessary approvals, such as the Completion Certificate and No Objection Certificates. It also calls for the deployment of medical, nursing, technical, and support staff to ensure the block becomes fully operational without further delay.
The case underscores the critical need for efficient use of public funds in healthcare infrastructure, especially in a city where government hospitals are a lifeline for many seeking affordable medical care.