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While making its suggestion to improve the availability of medical services at the district level in the state of Uttar Pradesh, the Supreme Court observed that medical specialists may be given adequate remuneration to make it worth their while to be willing in the district level postings.

A bench of Justices SK Kaul and MM Sundresh further suggested the State Government to endeavour to retain doctors who may be demitting office on retirement till such time as the vacancies are filled in by providing a requisite incentive for them including age increase.

"...we may emphasis that providing adequate medical facilities at the district levels along with education are the primary functions of any dispensation of the State power and we expect a focus on this aspect by the State Government, now that the elections are over.", said the division bench.

An affidavit filed by the Additional Director, Human Resources Department of the UP Govt. was placed before the top court.

"....(the affidavit) does not paint a good picture of the availability of medical services at District levels, albeit according to them because of paucity of qualified doctors being selected", remarked the bench after perusing the affidavit. 

The affidavit stated that as per the requisition sent on March 22, 2021 for recruitment of doctors through the State Public Service Commission, against 3620 posts, only 1881 doctors could be selected, leaving a vacancy of about a little under 1800 doctors and in the meantime, some may have also retired over the last about one year.

Court was further told that in some specialties the problem was greater i.e. in Gynecologist, Anesthetist, Paediatrician and General Physician. Also, the affidavit stated some steps sought to be taken by the state in the future.

The bench, after perusing the same, called upon the State Government to furnish an affidavit setting forth as to how in the short term will they fulfill the requirement of having adequate doctors at the district levels.

It further asked the state to look to the methodology adopted by other States such as Tamil Nadu to buttress their resources. The case will now be taken up on May 13, 2022 for further hearing.

Case Title: Hazi Mushahid Vs. The State Of Uttar Pradesh & Anr.