'Allocation Of Amphotericin B Injections To Different States, Steps Taken To Tackle Third Wave Situation': AP HC Seeks Centre, State's Response
The Andhra Pradesh High Court has sought response of the Centre and the State Government on the matters concerning allocation of Amphotericin B Injections to different states and also about the steps taken by the State to tackle third covid wave situation.A division bench comprising of Chief Justice Arup Kumar Goswami and Justice Ninala Jayasurya also directed the State Government...
The Andhra Pradesh High Court has sought response of the Centre and the State Government on the matters concerning allocation of Amphotericin B Injections to different states and also about the steps taken by the State to tackle third covid wave situation.
A division bench comprising of Chief Justice Arup Kumar Goswami and Justice Ninala Jayasurya also directed the State Government to take immediate steps for completion of 55 PSA Units so as to make them operational.
The development came after the bench had on the last date of hearing sought response of the Centre as to by which date the Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Units will be established in the State and also regarding the augmentation of supply of Liposomal amphotericin B injections for treating Black Fungus.
The Court ordered thus:
"Having regard to the deliberations that have taken place primarily on the basis of the aforesaid memos, we are of the considered opinion that Mr. N. Harinath, learned Assistant Solicitor General, should file a memo indicating therein allocation of Liposomal amphotericin B injections to the different states in the country beginning from May 2021, and the corresponding number of active cases suffering from Mucormycosis."
Furthermore, it said "The memo should also indicate the total stock of Liposomal amphotericin B injections available."
During the course of hearing, it was submitted on behalf of the parties that since there has been decrease in a number of cases in various States therefore, it will be appropriate for the Centre to examine whether more allocations can be given to the State of Andhra Pradesh if the earlier allocation is no longer required or required on a lower scale by such States.
On the aspect of installation of PSA units, it was observed that five PSA Units have been received, but have not been operationalized as ancillary works remained to be completed.
"In that view of the matter, before the next date fixed, Mr. C. Sumon will file a memo indicating the status of aforesaid five PSA Units. We expect that the State will take immediate steps for completion of such Units so as to make them operational." The Court directed.
Furthermore, it directed thus:
"With regard to balance of 55 PSA Units sanctioned by the Union of India, the Union of India would indicate how much time will be required by them to supply such Units, when demand is raised by the State for their supply."
Observing that the Court had earlier indicated that it is necessary for the authorities to take rear-guard action that will be necessary to successfully meet the challenges in the wake of the possibility of the third wave, the Court ordered that the State Government will indicated as to the steps the State Government are contemplating and the steps that have already been taken to tackle the situation.
The Court will now hear the matter on July 9.