Uttarakhand HC Issues a Number of Directions to Deal With Rising COVID Cases in the State

Taking stock of the increase in the number of COVID cases in the State of Uttrakhand, The Uttrakhand High Court issued a number of directions for the state government. The learned Chief Secretary of the State of Uttarakhand who was present at the hearing informed the High Court about the steps taken by the State Government. Weekend lockdown, night curfew and deferred exams have been the main steps taken by the state government to tackle the situation.

6 major problems for the state administration 

Mr Dushyant Mainali, the learned counsel for the petitioner in Writ Petition highlighted the following 6 major problems in the Health Care System prevailing in the State.  

• Shortage of ICU beds and Non-ICU beds in the State
• There is a lack of stock of Remdesivir injection to meet the demand among COVID patients.
• Slow pace in detection of COVID virus owing to a lack of authorised labs in the state.
• The number of CT scan machines available in the State is very dismal making the diagnosis of the virus far too little. 
• Private hospitals are charging exorbitant amounts from the COVID-19 patients.
• Lack of ‘Real-Time Data’ with regard to the availability of the number of beds in the hospital and the number of clinics authorized to carry out the test is not available to the people on the internet.  

No SoP with regard to the forthcoming opening of the doors of the Char Dhams in the State. 

Concerns were also raised about allowing the large gathering of people in the ongoing Kumbh Mela. The learned counsel for the petitioner pointed out to the fact that sixty-two Seers have been affected by the Coronavirus yet the State Government is not taking any strict action with regard to the ongoing Kumbh Mela. in the third week of May 2021, the temples of Char Dham, namely Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath, would open their doors for receiving the pilgrims at their respective places. 

According to the learned counsel, the moment the doors of these holy temples are open, a large number of pilgrims will wind their way to these holy temples. Yet, the State Government has not come up with any SoP or any concrete plans for regulating, or controlling the number of pilgrims who would be allowed to reach these holy temples, and the number of persons who would be permitted to gather at these temples. 

It is an open secret that India has emerged as the leading country facing the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic says Uttarakhand High Court

While issuing directions to the State for monitoring and controlling the COVID situation before it spirals out of hand, the Court acknowledged that the percentage of COVID positive cases have doubled in comparison with last year. It also raised concerns about the spike in COVID cases during the ongoing Kumbh Mela in the state. 

Uttarakhand High Court Issues directions to the State Government in order to curb the alarming situation

• The Court implored the state to remain vigilant and also make arrangements for increasing the number of testing centres in the state. It is pertinent to note that there are only 132 authorized clinics/hospitals for carrying out the COVID-19 test in the state. 
• Considering the gravity of the situation the Court also suggested that mobile vans can be used to penetrate into the heartland and into the interior parts of the State for carrying out the test.
• Increase the number of Dedicated COVID-19 Hospitals and COVID Health Care Centres.
• Consider the feasibility of establishing temporary hospitals with the help of the Defence Research and Development Organization.
• Increase the number of beds available in the hospitals and ensure that majority of the beds equipped with oxygen tank and ventilators.
• Every Government Hospital must be equipped with CT scan machines.
• The medical staff must be provided with PPE kits and other protective gears, such as gloves, masks, and sanitiser to look after the COVID-19 patients
• Mr Amit Negi, the learned Secretary, Medical Health and Family Welfare is directed to personally inquire into the charges being levied by the private hospitals and take strict action against the private hospitals that are overcharging the patients.
• Publish the names and locations of the testing centres, and the names and locations of Hospitals/ Dedicated COVID-19 Health Care Centres in the media bulletin on a daily basis.
• issue an SoP with regard to the opening of Char Dhams. 
• Procure and to distribute a sufficient number of anti-viral injection.
• Inform the Court about any policy and cabinet decision taken by the State Government for tackling the COVID-19 pandemic.
• A detailed report must be submitted with regard to the implementation of the directions given by the Court on or before May 7, 2021.

The next date of hearing in this matter is May 10, 2021.