Bombay High Court while hearing a PIL in view of ensuring containment, prevention and treatment of pandemic disease Covid19 has directed Central and State Government of Maharashtra to coordinate with each other and also coordinate with NIV, Pune for procuring adequate number of additional testing kits and has further directed Union of India to take necessary steps for introducing duly approved Indian kits to fulfill the requirement for testing purposes.
Divisional bench headed by Justice Sunil B. Shukre in its order noting down the seriousness of the issue mentioned that “…it has become common knowledge that COVID-19 is a disease that spreads very fast after the disease crosses its second stage of the affliction and at this stage utmost care regarding the treatment and prevention is required to be taken not only by the authorities but also the members of the community. At this point of time it is the prevention apart from the treatment of the disease that really works in containing the disease.”
The Court observed that it is necessary for the authorities to take all steps required for preventing the spread of the disease. Amicus Curiae appointed in this matter Mr. Anu Gilda brought the issue of absence of Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDL) facility for the testing of COVID19 before the court on which the court has directed the State to take necessary steps for creation of these facilities at Yavtmal, Gadchiroli and Chandrapur and ensure its operation within two weeks.
Mr. Gilda also raised the issue of paucity of Preventive and Protection Equipment (PPE) or Hazmet Kit for the protection of the doctors and other staff attending COVID19 cases further the court directed the state to ensure the availability of such equipment and kits in appropriate numbers and all places within a week.
Bombay High Court court in its order directed the Union of India and State of Maharashtra to consider grant approval and registration to private laboratories across the State of Maharashtra which are already equipped with COVID-19 testing facility including Dhruv laboratory, Nagpur and grant approval to such of the private laboratories as are found to be fulfilling the applicable norms within a period of one week from the date of order.
Divisional bench expressed their satisfaction and appreciated the steps taken and steps being taken by the authorities.
-Gautam Mishra