UJAGGAR KAUR BAKSHI Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This petition has been filed for a direction to allow the claim of the petitioner for reimbursement of expenses incurred on medical treatment.

(2.) Case of the petitioner is that she was appointed as JBT teacher in the subject of Punjabi in the year 1961 and retired from service on 31.1.1998. Prior to her retirement, she met with an accident on 2.6.1995 and had to undergo surgery at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh (PGI). On account of further complications, she had to undergo surgery at the Chandigarh Medical Centre, Sector 17, Chandigarh and sought permission for surgery from the Chandigarh Administration. In anticipation thereof, she underwent surgery and for treatment in this regard, submitted a bill for the period from 24.8.1995 to 31.8.1995 amounting to Rs. 29,802.15. On 29.7.2000, her medical bills were returned by the State of Punjab on the ground that the petitioner had to make a claim to the Chandigarh Administration where she was posted on deputation. Accordingly, the petitioner applied to the Chandigarh Administration and the same was not being accepted. Hence this petition.

(3.) In the reply filed on behalf of the Chandigarh Administration where the petitioner was serving on deputation at the relevant time, it is admitted that the petitioner made a claim for the amount but it is stated that she had never taken permission for treatment in private hospital. A sum of Rs. 6095/- was sanctioned to her for her treatment with the PGI but claim for treatment from private hospital without prior permission from Director, Health Services, Chandigarh was not admissible in view of instructions dated 13.2.1995 (Annexure R3/1). It is also stated that her case was never referred by the PGI or by the Director, Health Services to the private Medical Centre.