MADURAI — The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has urged the state government to consider setting up an infertility treatment centre at Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) without delay. The suggestion comes as a proposal for the centre remains pending with the government.
A bench comprising Justices SM Subramaniam and AD Maria Clete made these remarks while disposing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by A Veronica Mary. The petitioner’s counsel told the court that last year, the government had informed it about a plan to start the infertility facility at GRH with an estimated cost of Rs 1.38 crore. At that time, the court closed the petition, expecting the government to act on the proposal.
However, the counsel pointed out that no decision has been taken since then. The judges noted that deciding on this matter is a government policy issue and the court cannot intervene directly. Still, they stressed that when there is growing public demand — especially from those who are economically disadvantaged — the government should treat the proposal seriously.
“As a welfare government, it must act effectively on such public needs,” the bench said. Since the proposal is still awaiting approval, the court advised the government to consider establishing the infertility treatment centre as soon as possible.
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