COVID- "Policy Of 'Testing, Tracking And Treatment' Needs To Be Implemented In Bihar": Patna High Court

Emphasizing that the policy of "Testing, Tracking, and Treatment" needs to be implemented in Bihar with greater vigor, the Patna High Court on Tuesday observed that significant role played by the Media can help to prevent the pain, suffering, and anguish of people during the anticipated 3rd wave of Covid-19.

The Bench of Chief Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice S. Kumar perused the affidavit filed on behalf of the State Government (pursuant to Court's last order) and noted that on the issue of vaccination, it was vague, inasmuch as it did not specify the number of persons eligible to be vaccinated, more specifically in the rural areas.

"Whether sufficient number of doses of vaccines are available with the Government or not? If not so, then as to whether the request for enhanced quota for allotment stands made to the Union of India or not?... The affidavit does state that 71 percent of the urban population of the State stands vaccinated, but then it is conspicuously silent with regard to the eligible population falling within the rural area," noted the Court.

The Court further observed that the State Government had launched a campaign termed Mission Mode "Six Crores in Six Months" and as of 21st of July, 2021, 2.20 Cr. Doses of vaccines were administered, but then, the Court remarked:

"Should this process be not hastened up is what we are desirous to know. Is it on account of lack of availability of vaccination; availability of the infrastructure required for inoculation; or on account of reluctance/ hesitation on the part of the people in getting themselves vaccinated?"

Therefore, the Court directed the Principal Secretary (Health), Government of Bihar, Patna to file a supplementary affidavit focusing broadly, on two aspects i.e. vaccination and availability of health infrastructure at the district/sub-divisional level, both, generally and required for dealing with Covid-19 and listed the matter for further hearing on July 30.

Lastly, the Court also added that the role of Media becomes imperative in sensitizing the people of the need to continue to maintain their hand, respiratory and social hygiene, most significantly maintaining social distancing at public places.

Case title - Shivani Kaushik v. State of Bihar

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