Andhra Pradesh High Court Expresses Dissatisfaction Over Covid-19 Management In State

"There should be every attempt by the State to make sure that these pivotal aspects, which go a long way in management of Covid-19, are seriously addressed and deficiencies are immediately rectified for the effective functioning of the system," a Division Bench comprising of Chief Justice Arup Kumar Goswami and Justice C. Praveen Kumar observed.

It has asked the Health Department to enquire into the conduct of Nodal Officers of 22 Covid hospitals, who the amicus curiae reported are not answering the calls made on their official numbers.

"If that be the case, proper management and streamlining of the hospitals relating to admission etc., for the benefit of the people, who go to the hospitals, will be seriously jeopardised," the Bench remarked while directing the Department to take appropriate steps in respect of such erring officials.

Paucity of Hospital Beds

The High Court pulled up the Government over reports of lack of hospital beds in Andhra Pradesh. Whereas the State's affidavit highlighted that there is no scarcity of beds, an Advocate appearing before the Bench claimed that there is a waiting list of 150 persons for admission in the hospitals.

"If there are vacancies, it is not understood as to how there can be a waiting list," the Bench said, while directing the State to look into this matter at the earliest.

The order stated,

"Considering the number of people who are suffering from Covid-19 daily, it will not be unreasonable to opine that in the coming days, if the current rate of infection continues, there will be requirement of many more beds in the hospitals. The State shall give due consideration with regard to increasing the number of beds, number of beds in ICU and ventilators etc."

Issues pertaining to Nodal Officers

During the hearing, the Bench was informed that there is mismatch in the official phone numbers of Nodal Officers that are furnished before the Court and that are published in the public.

"Verify the numbers published in the newspapers and the numbers shown in the material papers filed before the Court and instruct the authorities to take immediate corrective action. It is made clear that this kind of omissions and commissions, which displays total non-application of mind, will not be viewed lightly," the Bench observed sternly.

Further it has asked the State to consider appointing 24X7 Nodal Officers.

Oxygen Supply

The Bench has asked the Central Government to consider the State's request for supply of Oxygen concentrators and allocation of more PSA plants for generation of oxygen for captive consumption.

It has also sought a report on death of several Covid patients, allegedly due to lack of Oxygen.

Other directions

• State may look into proper functioning of 104 helpline number in relation to Covid issues. "If the helpline number is not effectively managed, it will result in severe adverse consequences."
• State should look into reports of pregnant ladies infected with Covid being denied admission in Covid Hospitals.
• State should consider setting up of more laboratories in various locations to expedite result of Covid testing, which may reduce spread of infection.

"It is of paramount importance that everybody in the system dealing with this pandemic, work with synchronization and cohesion, so that there is no slackness in implementation of the guidelines and all who need medical attention and care can seamlessly avail the requisite health care," the High Court observed.

Click Here To Download Order

Read Order