JANDURBHAI MENSHIBHAI BALADHIYA Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Present petition in the form of Public Interest Litigation has been preferred by the petitioner for appropriate writ and /or order directing the respondent State authorities to assess the extent of the requirement for emergency medical services on the sea and the coastal areas of the State of Gujarat. It is also prayed to direct the State to investigate feasibility of linking the Indian Coast Guards, Search and Rescue Operations (SAR) system with providing emergency medical services at sea.

(2.) Present Public Interest Litigation has been preferred by the petitioner for making grievance with respect to difficulties faced by villagers residing in the coastal areas, more particularly in islands and pointing out difficulties in getting medical emergency services.

(3.) In response to the notice issued by this Court, Ms.Manisha Lavkumar, learned Government Pleader has appeared on behalf of the respondent-State authorities and Shri Devang Vyas, learned Assistant Solicitor General of India has appeared on behalf of the respondent-Union of India. Various affidavits and replies have been filed on behalf of the respondent-State authorities, by which steps taken for providing medical services to the respective islands in the coastal areas of the State are shown. It is reported that now and after the present petition was filed, two boat ambulances are made operational in the coastal areas, which shall cater the need of the residents and fishermen /those who are residing in islands so that they can get timely medical treatment required.