CAN’T CONVERT COACHES INTO ICUS FOR COVID PATIENTS: RLYS

MUMBAI: The Bombay high court (HC) on Thursday dismissed a petition, suggesting that railway coaches be converted into treatment facilities.

On Monday, the railway administration filed an affidavit in response to the petition stating that it is not possible to convert coaches into intensive care units (ICUS) to treat Covid-19 patients without making extensive structural modifications and other major changes. The affidavit also stated that these coaches have been converted into isolation facilities to augment Covid care and as a temporary measure, till train services resume. If any major changes are carried out, the immediate re-use of coaches for the purpose of travelling will become impossible without carrying out modifications again.

The petition was filed by activist Naresh Kapur. While disposing of the PIL on Thursday, a bench of chief justice Dipankar Datta and justice MS Karnik said they had no doubt in their mind that the authorities “shall not leave any stone unturned to preserve the lives of citizens” and provide proper and adequate health care and medical treatment to those in need.

The bench also recorded its appreciation for the concerns expressed by Kapur, which led to introduction of the rapid antigen test for detection of Covid-19 immediately, instead of the longdrawn tests.

Meanwhile, HC also rejected Kapur’s prayer for a direction to order the state and civic authorities to reopen all hospitals, nursing homes and dispensaries, which are closed owing to departmental orders or judicial orders, to meet the needs of patients.

“Granting the prayer would amount to tinkering with administrative or judicial orders and such course is plainly impermissible,” the bench said.