“What is the preparedness for Third wave?” - Uttarakhand HC seeks State response
The Uttarakhand High Court today issued directions and expressed its concern over third wave, seeking the reply by the State regarding preparation to deal with the Third wave that is likely to hit in the end of August this year.
The Division Bench led by CJ R.S. Chauhan and Justice Alok Kumar Verma made the following observations while hearing a batch of pleas related to CoVID19 management in the State.
“Bench - I want to ask you personally that is the next wave likely to affect children?
Chief Sec - 3rd wave will come but since people are vaccinated ...children might get affected...it is not a surety.
Bench - What is the preparedness for 3rd wave?”
Further, the Bench asked about the supply in the state of drugs Amphotericin B to cure Black fungus,
“Cheif Adv of Pharma, GOI informs court that the allocation of vials given to the State
Bench - So are you suggesting there is no dearth of drug in the state?
The Chief Advisor – Yes”
“Bench - Please inform the general public about it. Publicize it...we do not want the people to suffer from Black fungus...I as a CJ doesn't know where to take my person, as information is not in public domain...as you started with advertisement of CoVID19...please do the same...”, Bench to Chief Secretary on Black fungus.
The Bench next took into consideration the plea relating to overcharging in Hospitals,
“Adv Piyush Garg- My submission is that there must be infrastructure in hilly areas also, for treatment of the patients.
Bench -The present scenario suggests that cases are less...I hope this lowers
Adv Garg - Yes, right now the cases are less...I am suggesting this for Post Covid treatment or as a precautionary measure.”
Taking into account the submissions made by the counsels the Bench issued the following directions –
Firstly, the state must know how to tackle the third wave, taking into view the recommendations of “High Power Committee” set up by the government.
Secondly, in order to deal with the menace of Black Fungus government must come up with concrete plan, since it claims that Black fungus can be treated in all hospitals. Also, the information regarding the same must be dissipated to the public through electronic media.
Thirdly, the State govt. collaboration with Central govt. must ensure that lifesaving drug amphotericin B and Liposomol are continuously supplied to the state in order to assure the availability to the general public.
Fourthly, the infrastructure required for treating Black fungus must made in the districts by the state authorities.
Fifthly, the health department was also directed to issue circulars both for public and private hospitals regarding upper cap for the fee that will be charged. Further if any private hospitals are found to charge more, the state would take strict action.
Sixthly, Health department must carry out an audit as to life saving drugs and should consider setting up of isolation centres at Panchayati Level so that people can be treated.
Further, since large people continue to suffer from different common ailment, hence state govt. should consider setting up of Non Covid hospitals so that such people can be referred to these hospitals.
Lastly, the state should also consider taking help from different civil societies so that the interested people can volunteer and help.
The Bench will take up the matter next on 16th June, with the Chardham plea.