A bench comprising justices Manoj Kumar Gupta and Manish Kumar Nigam was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by the Sahaj-Sarathi Foundation and another entity, highlighting the “inadequacy” of medical facilities and infrastructure in the city.

The Allahabad High Court has asked the Union Health Ministry whether the central government has any plans to establish a premier healthcare institution similar to the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Prayagraj.

A bench comprising justices Manoj Kumar Gupta and Manish Kumar Nigam was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by the Sahaj-Sarathi Foundation and another entity, highlighting the “inadequacy” of medical facilities and infrastructure in the city.

The petitioners contended that with a population of over 5.9 million as per the 2011 Census, the city urgently needs improved medical facilities.

It was argued that the city is a major administrative and educational hub housing the Allahabad High Court, the Commissioner of four districts, and several central and state government establishments.

It was contended that despite its prominence, Prayagraj’s medical facilities are severely lacking as the existing Medical College and TB Sapru Hospital, both state-run institutions, offer “subpar” medical services.

An affidavit was also filed in the court highlighting the alleged dilapidated conditions of the hospital buildings and the inadequacies of the medical services provided.