Take Punitive Action Against Hospitals Denying Admission To Non-Covid Emergency Patients: Manipur High Court Tells State

A Division Bench of Chief Justice Sanjay Kumar and Justice Kh Nobin Singh were informed that even though the Government has already issued an order instructing all Government hospitals and private hospitals to ensure that all patients who reach their facilities are attended to promptly, yet there is no implementation of this order.

"It is therefore made clear that in the event of any violation of the aforestated orders being brought to its notice, the State Government shall take necessary punitive action against the erring hospital/medical establishment as per due procedure, irrespective of the identity of the party that brings such violation to its notice," the Bench ordered.

In another Covid-related PIL, the Bench reiterated the significance of a long-term action plan to combat more waves, if any.

"State Government must necessarily formulate an action plan to meet the challenges of a possible future wave of the pandemic. It is not enough for the State Government to respond by taking measures after the event and it must necessarily equip itself so as to be in a state of preparedness, in anticipation of all such challenges that may arise," it observed.

The Bench also dealt extensively with the issue of Oxygen supply in Manipur. It has directed the Central Government to look into alleged shortage of oxygen cylinders in the State.

It is incumbent upon the Central Government to look into this issue as only 2691 oxygen cylinders have been provided till date to the State of Manipur, which has a population of over 33 lakh, it said.

So far as oxygen supplies are concerned, the State Government has been asked to prepare, regularly update and publish in a tabulated form, data indicating hospital-wise number of beds, number of ICU beds, number of presently admitted patients, present requirement of oxygen cylinders etc. in respect of all the Government and private hospitals.

A report is also sought on management of Covid care centres and status as per surprise visits and random inspections.

"The additional affidavit to be filed by the State Government shall also address the issue as to how the 24 Covid Care Centres, established across the State, are being monitored. Mr. Lenin Hijam, learned Additional Advocate General, Manipur, would assert that teams are being constituted by the Chief Medical Officers of respective Districts, where these Centres are situated, to randomly visit and check the operation and functioning of the Centres. Details in this regard shall be furnished," the order stated.

The matter is fixed for June 15.

Case Title: Khwairakpam Tomba Singh v. State of Manipur & Anr.; Naresh Maimom v. Union of India & Ors.

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