Serious Mental Health Issues Have Cropped Up As Fallout Of COVID-19 Infection: Telangana High Court Seeks Action Plan From State

"How do you handle mental health of Covid patients or the attendants who lost their loved ones," Chief Justice Hima Kohli had asked G. Srinivasa Rao, the Director of Public Health and Family Welfare, appearing before the Bench virtually.

Rao informed the Court that the Government may avail the services of Institute of Mental Health in this regard.

Justice Kohli then suggested that the Institute should tie up with NGOs and reach out by conducting webinars and making CDs on the subject.

She ordered,

"Having regard to the fact that serious mental health issues have cropped up as a fallout of the COVID-19 infection, it is directed that a blueprint be prepared and placed on record showing how the State proposes to deal with the said issue."

Third Wave

The Bench also comprising of Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy was hearing its suo moto on Covid-19 outbreak. It has sought response from the Government on its strategy for dealing with 3^rd wave of Covid-19 and the manner in which it proposes to strengthen the paediatric medical facilities.

"While filing the affidavit on the future plans to be undertaken by the State to ramp up its medical infrastructure, facilities, manpower and supply of equipment and drugs etc., specific milestones for completion of projects shall be furnished, for this court to assess the preparedness of the State," it ordered.

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Capping Private Hospital Fees

The Court has also asked the State Government to ensure that a fresh GO is issued for capping of charges relating to occupation of beds in private hospitals/Nursing Homes and capping of the prices for PPE kits and other consumables and tor conducting diagnostic investigation for the treatment of COVID-19 infection.

"In the event the Government Order is not placed on record along with the affidavit to be filed before the next date of hearing, Secretary, Medical, Health and Family Welfare shall file his affidavit explaining the inaction and he shall be virtually present to assist the court," it said.

Read previous orders on this issue here.

Compensation to affected Polling Officers

The Bench has directed the Education Department of the State to file an affidavit placing on record the steps taken by it in respect of teachers who have succumbed to the COVID-19 infection on being assigned polling duty during the recent elections conducted in the State.

"The benefits released to the family members of the said teachers, who were directed to be treated as COVID warriors by this court, shall be placed on record. The benefits released to those teachers who have suffered from COVID-19 infection while discharging polling duties shall also be placed on record," it ordered.

Read previous orders on this issue here.

Case Title: R. Sameer Ahmed v. State of Telangana

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