DB Seeks Affidavit from GMC Principal; Orders IO’s Personal Appearance in Ongoing PIL

Jammu, Feb 26 (KNC): Taking serious note of dysfunctional diagnostic machinery in major government hospitals, a Division Bench of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh at Jammu on Wednesday directed the Principal of Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu to file a detailed affidavit regarding the non-functional MRI and CT scan machines by March 9, 2026.

Details available with news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC states that, The Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Arun Palli and Justice Rajnesh Oswal expressed concern over reports that the MRI machine at GMC Jammu has remained non-functional for the past one-and-a-half months, while two CT scan machines at Super Specialty Hospital (SSH), Jammu and SMGS Hospital, Jammu have reportedly been defunct for over a year.

The issue surfaced during the hearing of a much-publicised Public Interest Litigation (PIL), which was registered suo motu by the Court on the basis of a media report highlighting the sudden stoppage of lifesaving cardiac implants, stents and consumables, affecting critical cardiac procedures such as angiography, angioplasty, stenting and CCU management.

Advocate Sheikh Shakeel Ahmed, appointed as Amicus Curiae in the matter, informed the Court that patients are suffering due to the unavailability of essential diagnostic facilities and are being forced to approach private institutions at exorbitant costs.

Advocate S.S. Ahmed, along with Advocate Supriya Chouhan, submitted that despite repeated highlighting of the issue by print and electronic media, the authorities have failed to take corrective action.

After hearing the submissions, the Division Bench expressed displeasure over the reported dysfunction of vital healthcare equipment and directed the Principal, GMC Jammu to file his affidavit on the issue of wide public importance by or before March 9, 2026.

In the main PIL, Senior AAG Monika Kohli, along with Advocate Sagira Jaffer appearing for the Principal GMC Jammu, informed the Court that the affidavit of SSP Jammu, filed pursuant to earlier directions, had been submitted though it was not available on record.

At this stage, Advocate S.S. Ahmed apprised the Court that the police had closed the complaint as “not proved.”

Taking note of this submission, the Division Bench headed by Chief Justice Arun Palli directed the personal appearance of the Investigating Officer on the next date of hearing along with the case diary.

Considering the gravity of the matter, the Bench ordered the Registry to re-notify the PIL on March 9, 2026. (KNC)