The Chhattisgarh High Court has expressed strong displeasure over an affidavit submitted by the state Health and Family Welfare Department in connection with a public interest litigation (PIL) highlighting poor infrastructure and inadequate medical facilities at the Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Sciences (CIMS), Bilaspur.

During the hearing, Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha observed that large portions of the affidavit appeared repetitive and suggested it may have been prepared using artificial intelligence (AI). The court remarked that while the document looked well-structured, it failed to address the actual conditions prevailing at the government hospital.

The division bench noted that if the hospital's systems were functioning properly, the matter would not have reached the High Court. It cautioned the authorities against presenting paperwork that does not reflect the ground reality and stressed that the court expects factual and transparent submissions rather than attempts to create a misleading impression.

The court also remarked that ensuring proper healthcare facilities for patients should remain the administration's primary objective, adding that timely treatment for those in need would earn genuine public goodwill.

Inspection Reports Highlight Deficiencies

The observations came during the hearing of an ongoing PIL concerning the condition of CIMS. The court referred to inspection reports submitted by court commissioners following visits conducted in March and April this year.

According to the reports, the hospital continues to face significant infrastructure issues. Water leakage was observed in several sections of the building, with portions of the hospital reportedly flooded following recent rains. The commissioners also pointed out that the hospital's fire-fighting system had remained non-functional for an extended period, raising concerns over patient safety.

In response, the state government informed the bench that repair work on the fire safety system had been initiated after work orders were issued on June 15, 2026. Officials submitted that restoration work is currently underway.

Procurement of Medical Equipment Underway

The Chhattisgarh Medical Services Corporation Limited (CGMSC) also submitted a separate affidavit detailing the procurement status of advanced medical equipment for CIMS.

The affidavit stated that the hospital is in the process of acquiring 31 advanced medical machines. Of these, 13 have already been delivered to the institution. Purchase orders for two additional machines were issued in June, while approvals are being processed for two high-value equipment purchases.

The government further informed the court that two machines are currently undergoing technical demonstrations before financial bids are opened. Evaluation of bids for two other machines is in progress, while bids for six more machines are scheduled to be opened on July 9.

Court Focuses on Better Healthcare

The High Court clarified that the purpose of the proceedings is not to initiate punitive action against officials but to improve healthcare services and infrastructure at CIMS.

The bench observed that court commissioners are free to conduct inspections whenever necessary to verify the implementation of the government's claims. It stressed that improvements must be visible on the ground rather than remaining confined to official records.

The court concluded that patients visiting a government hospital deserve timely treatment, functional equipment and safe infrastructure, emphasizing that meaningful reforms—not paperwork—will ultimately restore public confidence in the healthcare system.