Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court has directed the state government to file a detailed explanation regarding the alleged shortage of dialysis equipment in government hospitals across the state.
The court was responding to a letter written by an advocate, who brought to its attention serious concerns over inadequate dialysis facilities.
The advocate alleged that there is an acute shortage of dialysis machines in government hospitals and that patients are being exposed to new infections due to the failure to conduct proper tests and blood screening.
Dialysers being used for multiple patients: Complaint
According to the complaint, as many as 102 dialysis centres are operating across Telangana under a public–private partnership (PPP) model. The government reportedly pays Rs 1,950 per dialyser. However, the letter alleged that dialysers, which are meant for single use, are being used for two or three patients.
It was further alleged that unused dialysers are being illegally sold outside with the alleged involvement of certain officials linked to Aarogyasri and other departments.
The petitioner also claimed that several dialysis and blood purification machines are non-functional in government hospitals. Mandatory medical tests for patients are allegedly not being conducted, raising serious concerns about patient safety and healthcare standards.
HC treats letter as PIL
Taking cognisance of the letter, the High Court treated it as a Public Interest Litigation (PIL). A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice GM Mohiuddin heard the matter on Tuesday.
The Bench issued notices to the Principal Secretary of the Medical and Health Department, the Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare, the Director of Medical Education, and the Managing Director of Aarogyasri, directing them to file their counters.
The case has been adjourned for four weeks for further hearing.
