Provide Free Treatment and Ambulance Services To COVID Patients, Grant Ex Gratia Assistance To The Families of The Deceased: Plea Moved in Delhi HC

Delhi High Court will be hearing a plea seeking free treatment and ambulance services for patients of COVID19.

Filed by Mr Sushant Mishra, the petition also seeks ex gratia assistance on account of loss of life and creating means of livelihood for those who have been adversely affected by the pandemic.

It is the case of the Petitioner that the government has not implemented the Disaster Management Act in its entirety. It is argued that both the Centre and the Delhi Government have not implemented sections 11, 12, 18 and 19 of the Disaster Management Act which aim at providing relief measures to affected citizens.

The petition states:

'The persons who have been infected by the COVID19 virus shall be provided free of cost treatment even in the private hospitals as at the time of a disaster, a citizen cannot be expected to run from pillar to post to look for finances especially when private hospitals are charging exorbitant fees and so many people have lost their lives.'

'In private hospitals while 18 beds are for paid patients, only 2 beds are made available to patients coming from Economically Weaker Section', the Petitioner has argued.

Therefore, the Petitioner has asked the court to issue a direction to the Centre as well as the Delhi Government not only borne the medical expenses of COVID patients but also pay ex gratia assistance to the family members of those who have lost their lives.

The Petitioner in this case is being represented by Mr. Cheitanya Madan.