Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 21: In a contempt petition filed by Advocate AV Gupta in Public Interest Litigation (PIL) regarding facilities for treatment of cancer patients in Jammu and Kashmir, Division Bench of State High Court comprising Justice Tashi Rabstan and Justice Sanjay Gupta today directed Commissioner/Secretary Health and Medical Education to appear in person.
The contempt petition has been filed for ensuring implementation of judgment whereby Division Bench had observed that in the Medical Oncology Department of GMC, Srinagar 3 Oncologists are available. In SKIMS, MS General Surgery, DNB, MRCS, Fellowship in Surgical Oncology and UICC Thoracic Oncosurgery are available. But in Medical College Jammu there is no Oncologist, who alone can diagnose the cancer and suggest the treatment to be given to cancer patients.
It was the contention of the Deputy Advocate General that on 16.3.2011, the Government addressed a letter to the Secretary Public Service Commission to select Medical Oncologist and till date no person has been selected.
“It is relevant to note at this juncture that cancer patients cannot wait for selection of oncologist. Their immediate requirement is to get proper diagnose and timely treatment. There are oncologists in Medical Institutions in Srinagar and till selection is made through Public Service Commission to fill up the posts of Oncologists in Government Medical College, Jammu, a direction is issued to the respondents to send at least one Oncologists on deputation basis to Government Medical College, Jammu for diagnosis and suggesting treatment to the cancer patients”, the DB had directed in its earlier judgment.
When the contempt petition listed for hearing, Division Bench observed, “on May 31, 2017 Senior AAG was granted two weeks time to file status report failing which it was directed that this court shall be constrained to pass appropriate orders against the respondents”, adding “thereafter the matter was again listed on 19.07.2017 but it was adjourned at the request of Deputy AG and fixed for today”.
“Today, neither status report was filed nor anyone appeared for respondent as such the Commissioner Secretary Health and Medical Education Department is directed to appear in person on the next date of hearing to explain his position for not complying with the orders of the court”, the DB said.
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