[CoVID 19] We Must Plan For Future & Not Drop Our Guard: Madras High Court
The Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee & Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy while hearing suo moto plea related to management of CoVID emphasised on the need to plan for future to tackle the management of the crisis in the State.
“We must plan for the future also & not drop our guard. We'll have to make our plan already & not nap now.”, the Court said.
The observations were made in light of absence of plan in the State with regards to distribution & allocation of essential drugs & vaccines.
The Court while considering the announcement made by BHEL with respect to starting production of oxygen in 2 units in the state as silver lining took note of the fact that the State had not received 100MT of oxygen from eastern corridor & thereafter stated that there has to be an increase in the supply of oxygen to both Tamil Nadu & Puducherry.
“It is hoped that by now the centre would have augmented the supply of oxygen to ensure equitable & enhanced supply to all states including these two.”, the Court observed.
On the report filed by the state with regards to commencement of vaccination for all the beneficiaires above 18 years of age, the Court noted that sufficient vaccine was not available & took note of the suggestions submitted by the Counsel with respect to the use of Sputnik Vaccine which only requires one dose.
“There has to be some clarity that needs to be on the aspect of the protection given by two doses of vaccine already administered or in the process of being administered to cover not even a period of year. Those already vaccinated would require another round of vaccination or not. This aspect should also be looked into.”, the Court said.
The Court also directed the State government to prepare the local authorities to ensure that there is an element of dignity with respect to the last rites.
“Several reports of unlawful handling should be stopped. Local administration should come down heavily & ensure that there are checks in place in the crematorium.”, the Court said.
The Bench also emphasised on the need to conduct a drive ensuring cleanliness in the state & further on collection of garbage on a daily basis.