Allahabad HC Seeks Report From Govt Regarding Availability Of Adequate Medical Equipments & Health Workers In Govt. Hospitals [Read Order]

As of now, the High Court has identified 11 Government hospitals situated in the city of Allahabad and has asked the Government whether the following facilities are available with the these hospitals, namely:- 1) Intensive Coronary Care Units; 2) Intensive Care Units; 3) Dialysis Units; 4) Ventilators; and 5) Mobile X-ray Machines.

The State has also been directed to inform the number of qualified Doctors and Nurses (apart from interns) working in these hospitals and details as to how the premises are sanitized and cleaned.

The above status-reports have to be placed before the court by May 14, 2020.

The order has been passed by a division bench comprising of Chief Justice Govind Mathur and Justice Siddhartha Varma in a suo moto PIL registered against reports of unhygienic and inhumane conditions of various Quarantine Centers in the state.

The bench had taken cognizance of the matter last Thursday, based on an e-mail sent by a practicing Advocate of the High Court, Gaurav K. Gaur, highlighting the "pathetic conditions" at quarantine centers.

Gaur had informed the court that the one Virendra Singh, an engineer by profession, recently succumbed to the COVID-19 infection. He had informed his wife telephonically that the quarantine centre where he and his other family members were lodged did not maintain adequate hygiene.

In its order today, the bench noted that Singh had succumbed to the infection, "despite medication".

The state had however intimated the court that there were sufficient steps taken by the State to improve the quarantine centers. Nevertheless, the bench proceeded to examine the matter while stating,

"as we are not aware about the preparedness of the State with regard to medication it intends to administer to people who might be further getting affected by the Novel Covid-19 virus, we are continuing with the instant Public Interest Litigation."

Case Details:

Case Title: In-Re Inhuman Condition At Quarantine Centres And For Providing Better Treatment To Corona Positive Respondent

Case No.: PIL No. 574/2020

Quorum: Chief Justice Govind Mathur and Justice Siddharyh Varma

Appearance: Advocate Gaurav Kumar Gaur (for Petitioner)

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