Nagpur High Court Takes Suo Motu Cognizance of Critical Psychiatric Drug Shortage
The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has taken suo motu action following alarming media reports about an acute shortage of essential psychiatric medicines at the Regional Mental Hospital in Nagpur. On Tuesday, the court initiated proceedings, emphasizing that uninterrupted access to medication represents a "basic and non-negotiable requirement" for mentally ill patients and warning that such systemic failures "cannot be taken lightly."
Court Appoints Amicus Curiae and Demands Detailed Responses
A division bench comprising Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode has appointed advocate Isha Thakare as Amicus Curiae to assist in the matter. The bench has directed that a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) be formally registered within one week. Furthermore, the court has sought comprehensive responses from the concerned authorities regarding the reasons behind the persistent drug shortage and the specific measures being implemented to restore regular supplies. Additional government pleader Deepak Thakare represented the state during the proceedings.
Historical Context: Previous PIL and Assembly Concerns
This is not the first time the hospital's conditions have come under judicial scrutiny. A similar PIL filed in 2016 had highlighted several deplorable conditions at the facility, including:
- Critical staff vacancies
- Recurring medicine shortages
- Lack of adequate woollen clothing during winter months
- Scarcity of safe drinking water
The issue was also raised in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly in December 2016 through a calling attention motion by former MLAs. At that time, legislators expressed grave concern over 21 patient deaths that were allegedly linked to negligence and inadequate care at the hospital.
Current Crisis: Prolonged Unavailability of Essential Medicines
The recent media report that prompted the court's intervention describes a situation where several key psychiatric medicines have been unavailable for extended periods. According to the report, relatives of patients had urged doctors to prescribe medicines that could be purchased from outside pharmacies, but doctors "were unable to do so," leaving numerous patients without access to crucial treatment regimens.
Currently, only about 10 types of medicines are reportedly available at the hospital pharmacy, while several essential drugs have remained out of stock for nearly one and a half years. This shortage affects a significant patient population, as the hospital records approximately 300 outpatient registrations daily and houses more than 500 admitted patients across various wards, including roughly 280 men and 250 women.
Administrative Responsibilities and Safety Concerns
The hospital administration is tasked with ensuring comprehensive care for these patients, including regular medical check-ups, maintaining hygiene standards, providing counselling services, ensuring proper nutrition, and most critically, administering necessary medications. The report also cited serious safety concerns raised by caregivers, noting that in the absence of proper medication, some inpatients can become violent, thereby posing significant risks to ward attendants and hospital staff.
Global Health Context and Urgency of Treatment
Referring to global health assessments that rank depression among the leading disorders worldwide, second only to heart disease, the report underscored the critical urgency of providing timely and consistent treatment for psychiatric conditions. The court's proactive stance reflects growing recognition of mental healthcare as an essential component of public health that demands immediate attention and systemic reform to prevent further deterioration of patient welfare and safety.
