Patna High Court Seeks State's Response On Availability Of Medicines, Oxygen Cylinders And Black Marketing

The Patna High Court on Friday sought response of the State Government on the aspect of availability of covid medicines, oxygen cylinders in rural areas especially in the district hospitals and also about the incidents of black marketing in the State. 

The division bench comprising of Chief Justice Sanjay S. Karol and Justice S. Kumar also went ahead to direct the State Government to ensure that the covid medicines and required infrastructure is made available in the district level also.

The development came while the Court was dealing with a bunch of petitions filed in view of the alarming surge in covid 19 cases in the State of Bihar touching upon the issue of lack of facilities and healthcare system to meet the challenges arising out of the second covid wave.

Noting that an affidavit will be filed by the State Government by the next date of hearing addressing the aspects of medicines, black-marketing and audit with regard to availability of oxygen for the different places, the Court ordered thus:

"It is expected that the State of Bihar shall give the required details so that the Court will be able to understand each and every aspect of the matter, such as, availability of medicines, black-marketing and also availability of oxygen gas cylinders in the rural areas, especially the district hospitals because the migrants are coming and there is a chance that the person in the rural area may get infected. The State should also ensure that the medicines as well as all infrastructures are made available at the district level also."

Furthermore, the Court also directed the State to ensure early vaccination of the age group 18 to 45 years after opining that the "death rate of that class is very high."

The matter will now be heard on 10 May.

During the previous course of hearing, the Court had observed that no one should lose life only on account of lack of adequate medical care. 

"As representatives of institutions and pillars of a democracy, we collectively hold a responsibility to ensure that the people get the help and are provided with the healthcare they need, especially in these times of great crisis." Said the bench.

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