Order
1. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioners and the learned counsel for the State of Madhya Pradesh. The fifth report of the Monitoring Committee has already been filed and the sixth report is ripe.
2. Counsel for the petitioners alleged that though the hospital was started exclusively for the victims of the gas tragedy, the hospital facilities are being used even by persons who are not victims of the gas tragedy. Counsel for the State submitted that only 17% of the patients are persons who are not victims of the gas tragedy and that too poor persons who are being treated in the hospital in a separate wing. Be that as it may, in view of the above allegation/submission, we do not deem it fit to issue any direction at this stage.
3. However, in the facts and circumstances of the case, we deem it fit to direct the Monitoring Committee to examine whether the treatment facilities afforded to the persons who are not victims of the gas tragedy really affect the treatment being given to the victims of the gas tragedy. Further decision may be taken on the basis of the report of the Monitoring Committee.
4. Counsel for the petitioners also wanted to have a continued research regarding toxic effect of the gas on human beings and requested that the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) may be directed to conduct such research work. Counsel for ICMR submitted that the research work is already in progress.
5. Counsel for ICMR may file a report regarding the research work which has been carried out so that an effective order could be passed by this Court.
6. This Court feels that the records of the hospital should be computerised. In order to computerise the records of the hospital, the State shall take necessary steps so that the details of the patients and/or their ailments are made permanent record.
7. Awaiting the next report of the Monitoring Committee, the matter is adjourned and may be listed after the report is filed.
Court Masters