Manipur High Court Expresses Concern Over Lack Of Medical Facilities In 'Far-Flung' Areas; Also Gives End Of June Deadline For Installation Of Oxygen Plants

A Division Bench of Chief Justice Sanjay Kumar and Justice Kh Nobin Singh was informed that there are no ICU beds available in several districts of Manipur, such as Tamenglong, Kamjong, Noney, Kangpokpi etc.

The Court noted that it would be difficult to transport emergency Covid patients from far-flung places to the nearest ICU facility and that the State Government needs to address this aspect.

It therefore directed the Additional Advocate General, appearing for the State, to get instructions on this issue by July 5, along with details of the steps taken for alleviating the plight of Covid-19 patients in distant locations who require ICU facilities on an emergency basis.

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The Court has also directed the Central Government to ensure that two Oxygen plants are installed and made functional at its Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, by the end of this month, "without fail".

It ordered,

"Mr. M. Devananda, learned counsel, would state that only 30% of the construction for installation of the two oxygen plants sanctioned by the Central Government at RIMS, Imphal, has been completed. Mr. S. Suresh, learned ASG, shall ascertain the steps that would be taken by the Central Government to ensure that these oxygen plants are made operational by the end of June without fail."

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"Central Government shall ensure that the time stipulation as per its letter dated 22.05.2021 is adhered to without fail and the 2(two) new oxygen plants at RIMS, Imphal, are commissioned by the end of June, as promised," the Bench added.

The matter is now fixed for July 6.

Case Title: Naresh Maimom v. Union of India & Ors.

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