The Delhi High Court on Thursday expressed its happiness that AIIMS has started disbursing medicines prescribed by its doctors to the patients under treatment from its Pharmacy as well as its OPD will be operational in limited way, within the next two weeks.
A division bench comprising Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Rajnish Bhatnagar was informed by the AIIMS that it is providing telephonic consultations to patients by fixing the appointments in advance and is keen to start the OPD in a phased manner, in the next two weeks. AIIMS informed the bench that it is providing all the necessary treatments to patients in emergency and is also providing Chemotherapy to Cancer patients as and when required.
“We are happy to note that AIIMS is now disbursing medicines prescribed by its doctors to the patients under its treatment from its Pharmacy. Such disbursement should continue without endorsement in respect of the prescribed medicines for the duration for which the prescription is made,” said the Court.
Petitioner submitted before the Court, a list of about 93 persons, who expressed their desire to go back to their native places. Whereas, the Court has directed the SDM concerned to facilitate these people if they require travel pass.
The Court agreed with the Suggestion made by Ms. Rachna Malik and said that “…the patients who require daily/ regular treatment at AIIMS, and their attendants, should preferably be housed at either the Vishram Sadan, or at the night shelter opposite AIIMS, whereas others – who do not require such like regular treatment, could be put up at Gargi School, or the Pratibha School, if necessary and if sufficient accommodation is not available at the night shelter/ Vishram Sadan.”
The Court also directed the authorities to look into the aspect of housing the patients and their attendants at one or the other facility, keeping in view the situation as it emerges, and also taking note of the fact that some patients may require treatment at AIIMS on a regular/ daily basis, while others may not.
The Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board has been directed by the Court to ensure that till so long as shelter/ accommodation is required for the patients and their attendants – whether, at the night shelter opposite AIIMS, or Gargi School, or Pratibha School, the DUSIB shall ensure that all facilities are coordinated and provided.
Mr. Parvinder Chauhan appearing for DUSIB stated that food is otherwise being provided to all the patients and their attendants at the shelters, including at Gargi School. Given the difficulty expressed, special food, i.e. liquid and semi-solid diets are being arranged by Radha Swami Satsang, Beas. That arrangement is continued till so long as it is required.
Read full order here;
64029_2020-India Legal Bureau