A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin Chander Negi passed the order while hearing a PIL filed by Falma Chauhan, Secretary of the All India Democratic Women’s Association.
The petition challenges the state government’s recent decision to shift the gynaecology outpatient department (OPD) and certain other services from the KNH to IGMC. The government has reportedly justified the move on the ground that IGMC has better infrastructure and more advanced treatment facilities.
According to the petition, the KNH has been functioning since 1937 and presently consists of three buildings, including two seven-storey blocks and another dedicated exclusively to mother and child care, gynaecology and obstetrics services. The petitioner has argued that the hospital has long served as a specialised centre for women and children and that dismantling its services would adversely affect patient care.
The plea further refers to a communication dated April 17, 2026, issued by the Principal of IGMC to the Head of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department at KNH. The letter allegedly cited directions issued during a review meeting held on April 8 and sought adequate manpower in view of the proposed transfer of the entire gynaecology OPD, along with staff, machinery and equipment, from KNH to IGMC.
The petitioner has contended that the proposed move is contrary to medical standards prescribed by the World Health Organisation and could expose newborn babies to infections if they are housed in a hospital treating patients suffering from various other diseases. The plea also states that regulations of the Medical Council of India require separate establishments for obstetrics and gynaecology departments.
The PIL further alleges that the government intends to shift the Dental College to the existing KNH premises and claims that the entire process lacks transparency and legal justification. It argues that no public interest is involved in shifting the services from KNH. The High Court has listed the matter for further hearing on May 28.
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