Delhi HC Appeals to Lawyers to Support AIIMS Patients Amid Freezing Cold

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has urged members of the Delhi High Court Bar Association to contribute to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to provide shelter for patients, attendants, and their families who are forced to sleep outdoors in freezing temperatures near the hospital.

During a hearing on Friday concerning the plight of patients and their families sleeping in subways and open areas around AIIMS, the institute submitted a status report proposing both short-term and long-term measures. As a long-term solution, AIIMS plans to establish a 3,000-bed rest facility on approximately 2 acres of land in Ansari Nagar (West Campus). This shelter will be developed in collaboration with the NGO Seva Sadan Arogya Foundation. The Delhi High Court requested financial assistance from the Bar Association members to support this initiative.

Bar Association President Expresses Support

Senior Advocate N. Hariharan, appearing virtually on behalf of the Delhi High Court Bar Association, expressed the Bar’s willingness to contribute. He mentioned that some funds previously raised for the Punjab crisis are still available and could be released immediately to support AIIMS in this effort.

The Court acknowledged the efforts of the AIIMS administration, particularly the Additional Director (Administration), for their proactive measures. It praised all stakeholders, including government and civic agencies, for their efforts to address the challenges faced by the homeless and instructed nodal officers to immediately rectify any shortages in night shelter facilities and ensure necessary arrangements are made.

Continuous Monitoring and Future Hearings

The Court observed that conditions have improved over the past two days but stressed the importance of continued vigilance by agency nodal officers and senior officials. It expressed confidence that any emerging difficulties would be addressed promptly.

The Court also directed the Principal District and Sessions Judge to hold a meeting on 24 January with representatives of all relevant agencies to coordinate efforts. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for 27 January. Previously, the Court had emphasized that neither the Delhi Government nor its agencies could shirk their responsibility to provide shelter to the homeless during the cold wave. It had also directed DUSIB to take control of subways around hospitals by the evening to ensure maximum availability of beds and essential facilities.