Srinagar, June 10: In view of the possible third wave of covid-19, the High Court has asked the government to prepare for it in advance.
“We hope that the Government would prepare itself in advance to face the third wave, if any, and for that purpose care should be taken to vaccinate each and every citizen at the earliest, by carrying out fresh drive institution-wise so that if anyone has remained unvaccinated he is also covered,” the division bench of Chief Justice Pankaj Mithal and justice Vinod Chatterji Koul said in its order of June 3.
The bench was hearing on its own motion Public Interest Litigations on Covid 19.
While the court urged for establishing oxygen generation plants in every Government and allied hospitals, it said at the same time temporary arrangements so far made in this regard may not be completely dismantled and may be kept in readiness for future. In an affidavit filed before the court, Atal Dulloo, Financial Commissioner, Health & Medical Education Department said the government has constituted Management Group (CMG) headed by Chief Secretary which meets daily to interact with all other officers and medical specialists to review the covid situation.
The affidavit states various practical measures that the government is taking and has taken to contain the coronavirus. It states the administration has ensured adequate supply of oxygen 24×7 to all healthcare institutions dealing with Covid-19 positive patients.
With regard to the submission that private hospitals should also be allowed to administer Covid vaccine, the court said there was no information available “whether it was only the government hospitals or centres alone are administering vaccination (sic)”.
“We request the learned Advocate General to apprise the court on this aspect of the matter on the next date or may file an appropriate affidavit in this regard.” the court said.
With regard to the contention to make large scale temporary appointments of doctors, nurses and other staff for treatment of Covid-19 patients, the court said same was apparently not tenable as relevant measures were taken already.
With regard to the prayer is to establish liquid oxygen plant in the Government Medical College, Jammu, and allied hospitals, the Advocate General D C Raina told the court that there was no shortage of oxygen supply as of now.