HC asks government to establish fertility centre in GRH as expeditiously as possible for the benefit of the public

A view of Madurai Bench of Madras High Court.
| Photo Credit: R. ASHOK

Taking into account that a proposal has already been forwarded to the State government, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has asked the government to consider establishing a fertility centre in Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) in Madurai, as expeditiously as possible for the benefit of the public.

The court was hearing a public interest litigation petition filed by A. Veronica Mary of K.K. Nagar in Madurai who sought a direction to the State to establish a fertility centre in GRH with all the infrastructure facilities.

A Division Bench of Justices S.M. Subramaniam and A.D. Maria Clete observed that it was a policy decision to be taken by the government after considering various factors and mitigating circumstances. The court not being an expert body in the medical field cannot substitute its opinion regarding whether a particular treatment centre should be established.

However, there were growing demands from the public that such fertility centres be established strategically in various places enabling the poor to take treatment. When the demand required establishment of such centres for the benefit of the people, a welfare government had to consider the same in an effective manner, the court observed.

In spite of the fact that the proposal had been forwarded to the government for orders, no final decision had been taken by the government for establishing the fertility centre at GRH. The State government may consider establishing the fertility centre at GRH as expeditiously as possible for the benefit of the public, the court observed and disposed of the petition.