Full Judgment
Anil Dev Singh, C.J. and K.K. Acharya, J.
1. Having regard to the contents of writ petition and keeping in view the reply of respondents No. 1 to 10, we are of the view that State should have a fresh look at the arrangements made by it for distribution of medicines to the pensioners for their medical treatment.
It appears that pensioners are having lot of difficulties hi securing the medicines from designated co-operative stores. The scheme was started for welfare of the pensioners. These are the old people who are made to run from pillar to post to secure medicines for their treatment.
2. In case, designated co-operative stores do not have medicines prescribed by the doctors, a certificate should be issued by the co-operative store that pensioners can buy the medicines from any other source. On the basis of certificate issued by the co-operative store, the pensioner should be reimbursed for the medicines purchased by him from other sources in case the prescribed medicine is not available at the designated co-operative store.
3. With the aforesaid observations and directions, the writ petition stands disposed of.
4. The State shall file report with regard to implementation of the aforesaid directions.
5. To come up on 5.4.2004 for perusal of the report.