RISHI Vs. STATE OF HARYANA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Case has been heard through Video Conferencing on account of COVID-19 Pandemic.

(2.) Matter has been taken up today. This court called upon Mr. Rupinder Khosla, learned Amicus Curiae to address on various issues. At the outset, he highlighted the question of scarcity of oxygen. We have, however, impressed upon him to make submissions on this issue on the next date, if necessary as the matter is pending before the Hon'ble Supreme Court.

(3.) He has emphasized the need for more ventilators in GMSH-16, Chandigarh. According to him, only six ventilators are functional at the moment and the hospital is facing difficulty in view of large number of patients pouring in for medical help. Apart from this, he has highlighted that there is wastage of vials which are opened for vaccination in all the three States. According to him, this needs to be avoided at all costs as the country is facing paucity of vaccine after the eligible age group has been lowered to 18 years. As per Mr. Khosla, in Himachal Pradesh, no such vaccine wastage has been reported. The court has been informed that shelf life of vial once opened is about four hours. If requisite number of persons to be vaccinated are not available within this time period, rest of the quantity normally goes waste. He has also referred to the ambulance facilities being provided by the Government which are over burdened. As a result, certain private parties are providing this facility but at a higher cost, making it a business venture. According to him, there is scarcity of para medical staff as well which needs immediate attention of the Government.