The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has taken decisive action following a disturbing news report that laid bare severe deficiencies in the cancer treatment facilities at Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH). On Monday, the court registered a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL No 6/2026) to address the rapidly deteriorating state of oncology care for economically disadvantaged patients across the Vidarbha region.
Court Responds to Alarming Revelations
Acting on a news report published on January 21 that exposed alarming deficiencies in the cancer department of Govt Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court demonstrated judicial urgency. A division bench comprising Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode expressed grave concern while appointing Anup Gilda as amicus curiae to plead the case.
The news article highlights the pathetic condition of the Cobalt Machine in the GMCH's Cancer Department, thereby affecting the poor patients suffering from cancer, the bench observed during the proceedings. This intervention comes at a critical juncture for cancer care infrastructure in central India.
Cancer Unit in Critical Condition
The investigative report portrayed what was once considered a boon for underprivileged patients as now counting its final moments due to sustained administrative neglect. At the heart of this healthcare crisis lies the cobalt radiation machine, which was installed in 2006 with Union government funding as the first such machine in Maharashtra for cancer therapy through radiation.
This vital medical equipment requires replacement of its radioactive source every five years to maintain functionality. The last replacement occurred in 2015, and no subsequent replacement has been made since, creating a dangerous gap in maintenance protocols.
Machine Functionality Crisis
The machine's functional efficiency officially ended in 2020, and without a new radioactive source for nearly a decade, it now operates under severe constraints. Medical professionals report that the equipment:
- Frequently breaks down during treatment sessions
- Operates at drastically reduced capacity
- May cease functioning entirely in the near future
Doctors fear that complete failure would leave hundreds of radiation-dependent patients without access to essential treatment, creating a public health emergency in the region.
Procurement Delays Compound Problems
The report further highlighted systemic failures in equipment procurement. The acquisition of a high-energy linear accelerator, an advanced radiation machine intended to modernize treatment capabilities, has remained incomplete for years despite significant financial allocations.
In 2018, Rs 23.20 crore was sanctioned for this crucial purchase with specific allocations:
- Rs 20 crore from the Social Justice and Special Assistance Department
- Rs 3.20 crore from the Tribal Development Department
Due to bureaucratic delays and procedural inefficiencies, the projected cost has now escalated to Rs 35.82 crore, representing a substantial increase that further complicates implementation.
Impact on Patient Care
The operational deficiencies have created a cascading effect on patient treatment. Previously, more than 100 cancer patients received daily treatment using the cobalt unit. Current capacity has dwindled to only 30-40 patients per day, representing a dramatic reduction in healthcare access.
The radiation process has slowed significantly, forcing patients to endure extended waiting periods of several hours. Many economically vulnerable patients who cannot afford private hospital rates turn to GMCH as their only option, only to encounter a system struggling to provide timely and effective treatment.
This judicial intervention represents a critical step toward addressing systemic failures in public healthcare infrastructure, particularly for cancer treatment facilities serving economically disadvantaged populations in Maharashtra's Vidarbha region.
