PIL in Delhi HC seeks immediate operationalisation of Rs 400-cr Super Speciality Block at RML Hospital, alleges delay affecting patients
New Delhi, July 14
A Public Interest Litigation has been filed before the Delhi High Court seeking directions to the Union of India and the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences-Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital to immediately operationalise the newly constructed Super Speciality Block, alleging that the facility has remained non-functional despite completion of substantial infrastructure at a cost of around Rs 400 crore.
The petition, filed by Social Jurist, A Civil Rights Group through advocates Ashok Agarwal and Kumar Utkarsh, contends that the prolonged delay in commissioning the block has deprived thousands of patients of access to specialised healthcare facilities and additional bed capacity while resulting in wastage of public funds.
According to the PIL, the Super Speciality Block was conceived to significantly augment public healthcare infrastructure at RML Hospital by increasing its bed strength from about 1,532 to 2,198 beds, adding nearly 666 beds, besides providing 18 operation theatres, advanced diagnostic facilities and a dedicated Oncology Department equipped with a PET-CT facility. The petitioner submits that although the infrastructure has been substantially completed, the facility has not been made operational due to pending regulatory and administrative clearances.
The petition alleges that the delay has resulted in continued non-utilisation of healthcare infrastructure created from taxpayers' money, even as public hospitals continue to face overcrowding, shortage of beds and increasing demand for specialised treatment. It argues that every day of delay adversely impacts patients who depend on government hospitals for affordable healthcare.
Referring to a Times of India report published on April 10, 2026, the petitioner states that the Super Speciality Block has remained non-operational for over a year despite the expenditure incurred on the project. The PIL further states that a representation was submitted to the authorities on June 22, 2026, requesting immediate removal of deficiencies and completion of all statutory formalities, but alleges that no effective action has followed.
The petition contends that the inaction violates Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution by denying timely access to healthcare and by leaving a major public healthcare facility idle despite substantial public investment. It also relies on the Supreme Court's decision in Paschim Banga Khet Mazdoor Samity v. State of West Bengal, which recognised the State's constitutional obligation to provide adequate medical facilities to citizens.
Among its prayers, the PIL seeks directions to the respondents to remove all regulatory deficiencies, obtain the Completion Certificate, No Objection Certificates and other statutory approvals, and make the Super Speciality Block fully operational within a time-bound period. It also seeks a direction for immediate commencement of healthcare services in the block along with deployment of the required medical, nursing, technical and support staff so that the additional healthcare infrastructure can be utilised without further delay.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Seriously, how can we build world-class facilities and then not use them? I've been to RML with my mother—it's always overflowing. 666 extra beds would be a game-changer for thousands of families. The government needs to get its act together. Why build if you can't operationalise? 🤷♀️
I work in healthcare administration, and I can tell you this isn't unique—many projects face similar delays due to coordination failures between central ministries, local bodies, and hospital administration. But Rs 400 crore is huge. We need transparency on what exactly is pending and who is responsible. PILs are good, but proactive monitoring would save time and lives.
As someone who has seen public health systems in the US struggle too, I appreciate the PIL approach. It's good that citizens can hold the government accountable through courts. The Oncology department with PET-CT especially is critical—cancer patients can't wait a year. Hope the HC gives a fast-track order. 💪
My friend's father was turned away from RML last month because of no bed availability. This news makes me angry—we have the beds but not the will to make them accessible. The PIL should also ask for a timeline for staff recruitment. You can't run a super speciality block without specialists. Hope this gets resolved fast. 🙏
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