The Bombay High Court on Saturday directed the Maharashtra State Government to submit an affidavit detailing the allocation and utilization of its budget for medical infrastructure in the state. 

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Upadhyaya and Justice Arif Doctor was hearing a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the deaths reported at state-run hospitals in Nanded and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. 

During the hearing, the bench was informed that the allocated budget had not been fully utilized and that there was a shortage of medical, non-medical, and para-medical staff, leading to operational challenges in several hospitals. Petitioners highlighted the impact of these shortcomings on the healthcare system.

The court also noted that it had previously instructed the government to address staff shortages by filling key vacancies, stressing that unfilled positions would compromise hospital services and facilities. In December 2023, the bench reiterated the urgency of addressing these vacancies.

Furthermore, the court observed that allocated funds must be utilized effectively, as unspent amounts lapse, adversely affecting the healthcare system. The bench directed a responsible officer to file an affidavit explaining the budget allocation, expenditure incurred, and reasons for underutilization.