ILNS: The Haryana government assured the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Friday that arrangements for better supply of oxygen to hospitals have been made and a toll-free helpline would be set up for patients to get help from.
While hearing a petition regarding the non-implementation of COVID-19 guidelines, proposed by the government, the Division Bench of Justices Ranjan Gupta and Karamjit Singh said, “Though a state-level committee is already in existence in Haryana, a question has arisen on whether any nodal agency is available in every district for people to approach, in case of any emergency.
“Mr Mittal (Additional Advocate General of Haryana) submits that he shall apprise the court regarding constitution of such committee and also whether the designated toll-free helpline number (1075) is operational; whether aggrieved persons are getting proper assistance, if they contact the helpline,” it added.
According to the reply of the State Health Department, it is assured that proper arrangements are being made and the supply of oxygen has been increased to 136MT.
The petitioner had submitted earlier that there is complete chaos, because of the situation arising out of the spread of the coronavirus, as guidelines are not being followed in the region.
During the virtual hearing, a status report, by way of affidavit of Pankaj Yadav, IAS, Home Secretary, was submitted, which said appropriate steps were being taken.
However, AAG Mittal agreed that something more needs to be done to bring the situation under control.
Further, Advocate Rupinder Khosla, the Amicus Curiae, sought immediate attention and submitted beds are not available to those who are seeking hospitalization and the supply of oxygen is severely depleted.
He emphasized on the casual attitude of the general public, even during the second wave, when it was reaching its peak. Public places are crowded and government guidelines are not being followed, the situation is alarming, Khosla added.
AAG Mittal submitted that a State-level Monitoring Committee, headed by the state Health Minister, has been constituted to look into various issues, particularly the supply of oxygen.
Under these circumstances, the Division Bench allowed the impleadment petition filed by Amicus Khosla and the State of Punjab, as well as the Union Territory of Chandigarh, were impleaded as respondents in the array of the parties.
Furthermore, at this stage, Pankaj Jain, Standing Counsel for UT Chandigarh, apprised the Court that various Government hospitals in Chandigarh have adequate supply of oxygen for next 9-10 days.
Three Government hospitals, including Government Hospital, Sector 16; Government Hospital, Sector 48 and Government Medical College & Hospital, Sector 32 have got PSA generators installed, which shall be operational by this evening, said Jain.
CRWP-242-2021-22-04-2021-INTERIM-ORDER