HC seeks state report on ventilators, PPEs

The Telangana High Court directed the state government to submit an interim report by Thursday on the extent they have equipped hospitals with ventilators, supply and the availability of personal protection equipment (PPEs) to those dealing with Covid-19 patients and suspected cases.

The court also sought a report on the steps being taken by the government to ensure that consumables, food and medical items made available to the people every day, including migrant labourers during the lockdown period.

The Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Raghavendra Singh Chauhan and Justice A. Abhishek Reddy, through virtual courtroom adjudication, on Monday heard the PIL filed by Prof. P.L. Vishveshwar Rao seeking a direction to the government to provide sufficient PPEs to the medical workforce and food to migrant labourers stranded in the state.

Chief Justice Chauhan expressed dismay over attacks on doctors and medical staff and told the government to “first protect the medical staff”.

Advocate General B.S. Prasad said that the government was providing ample security to medical teams in hospitals. Sufficient PPEs had been provided and hospitals equipped with ventilators as per the Union health ministry’s guidelines, he said. The AG expressed concern that some persons, who are identified as probable Covid-19 affected persons, were not coming forward for testing.

Appreciating the government efforts, Chief Justice Chauhan observed, “We are aware of the difficulties faced by the state government in dealing with the present situation and this court is grateful to it for taking steps to curtail further spread of coronavirus cases. Though the government is trying to tackle the crisis to the best of its abilities, at the same time, it should restrain religious congregations during the lockdown and necessary instructions have to be issued,” the bench said.

Keeping in view the ensuing Easter festival, the bench asked the government to ensure that the celebrations are not held in churches.

Justice A. Abhishek Reddy told the government to ensure that food items are distributed through a registered NGO or GHMC to avoid gatherings. On huge gatherings on the roads during distribution of food, Justice Reddy observed, “If such gatherings continue, then the very purpose of imposing a lockdown will be defeated.”

ADVOCATE GENERAL B.S. Prasad said that the government was providing ample security to medical teams in hospitals. Sufficient PPEs had been provided and hospitals equipped with ventilators as per the Union health ministry’s guidelines.