Coming to the aid of patients facing hardship due to shortage of X-ray films, the Madras High Court has directed a firm to resume its supply to hospitals till government finalises tender with private bidders.
In its interim order on Friday, on a PIL filed by an advocate P. Satiachandran, a division bench comprising justices Elipe Dharma Rao and P. Subbiah said from the petitioner's averments and on perusing various documents it was apparent there was acute shortage of supply of X-ray films in state hospitals.
The shortage was due to sudden stoppage of supply by Hindustan Photo Films (HPF), on the ground that there was a steep increase in the manufacturing cost due to hike in silver price, the bench said, adding that it could not force the company to supply the X-ray films.
The situation had necessitated the government to float new tenders, which were pending confirmation, the court said.
However, considering all pros and cons, the bench said it was directing HPF to supply the films till the finalisation of tenders. The cost of X-ray films supplied by the company could be fixed and decided in due course in the petition, the bench said. Admitting the petition, the judges ordered notice, returnable in four weeks.