The matter before the division bench of Justice Prathiba M Singh and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora originated from a suo motu petition concerning healthcare infrastructure and public health facilities in the National Capital Territory of Delhi. The bench was hearing a batch of related matters filed under the title Court on its Own Motion v. Union of India & Ors. and connected matters. During the proceedings the Deputy Secretary of the Delhi Government's Health and Family Welfare department filed an affidavit detailing the status of the NextGen e-Hospital Management Information System (HMIS). According to the affidavit the system has been rolled out in thirty‑eight hospitals across Delhi and fourteen functional modules have been deployed, covering out‑patient departments, in‑patient departments, medical records, laboratory services and radiology services.
The affidavit further disclosed that real‑time information on the availability of emergency intensive care unit beds across the city is accessible through the mobile application titled Delhi ICU Beds Saarthi. The government submitted that the application is presently operational and is undergoing further upgradation to enhance its functionality.
Observations of the Bench
After reviewing the affidavit and hearing submissions from the parties the bench made several observations. It noted that the Delhi ICU Beds Saarthi application provides a live feed of ICU bed occupancy, which is intended to assist patients and referring physicians in locating critical care availability. The bench acknowledged that the NextGen e-HMIS platform aims to digitise various hospital workflows and that its implementation in thirty‑eight hospitals represents a significant step towards modernising public health delivery in Delhi.
The bench also took note of a communication circulated by the amicus curiae highlighting concerns at the Delhi State Cancer Institute. The communication pointed out that certain medical equipment at the institute appeared to be lying unused. In response the bench observed that the primary reason for the non‑utilisation of the equipment seemed to be the absence of adequately trained staff to operate and maintain the devices.
Directions Issued by the Court
In light of the submissions and observations the division bench issued specific directions. It ordered the Delhi Government to organise a live demonstration of both the NextGen e-Hospital Management Information System and the Delhi ICU Beds Saarthi application on the next date of hearing. The bench directed that at least two competent officials from any of the hospitals where the HMIS platform has been implemented must be present to assist the court in identifying any shortcomings in the system’s functioning.
Furthermore the bench requested that a senior official responsible for the administration of the Delhi State Cancer Institute also attend the proceedings to address the issues raised by the amicus curiae regarding unused equipment and staffing gaps. The matter has been adjourned for hearing on July 03, 2026.
Implications of the Order
The directive for a live demonstration serves a dual purpose. It enables the court to verify the claims made by the government regarding the operational status and coverage of the digital health platforms. Simultaneously it provides an opportunity for the bench to assess practical challenges faced by hospital staff in using the systems, thereby informing any further directions that may be necessary to ensure effective implementation.
By summoning officials from the implementing hospitals the court seeks to obtain firsthand feedback on any technical or procedural deficiencies that may hinder the real‑time tracking of ICU beds or the broader hospital management functions. The presence of a senior official from the Delhi State Cancer Institute is intended to facilitate a focused discussion on the specific barriers preventing the utilisation of critical equipment, with a view to identifying remedial measures such as targeted training programmes or resource allocation.
The order underscores the judiciary’s role in monitoring the execution of public health initiatives and ensuring that technological interventions translate into tangible benefits for patients. It also highlights the importance of adequate human resource preparedness as a prerequisite for the successful deployment of digital infrastructure in healthcare settings.