The Amicus Curiae’s finding proposed that there was a mismatch of facts and data. This mismatch pertained to the availability of the beds and ventilators on Delhi Govt “Delhi Corona” App. The Delhi High Court ordered the Delhi Govt. and the Central Govt. to take necessary steps to ensure real-time updation of the data.
Facts of the Case
The Court initiated the suo moto proceedings. This is based on the situation of healthcare and various facilities. Om Prakash, Amicus Curiae stated that the app had no updates. Further, he added that certain hospitals run by Central and Delhi Govt. are not updating the status of availability of beds and ventilators. The Delhi Government’s helpline numbers were also not working, as stated by Amicus Curiae. He suggested that the the Govt. should appoint Nodal Officers to check the allotment of beds in all the hospitals. He suggested that real-time updation of data should be the hospitals duty every 8 hours. Also, that there should be no denial in testing even of asymptomatic patients.
Respondent’s Submissions
The Delhi Govt. submitted that there are special helpline numbers only for corona positive patients. This helpline resolves issues about the availability of ambulances and free medical consultation. They submitted that they were not responsible for updating data on the Delhi Corona App. The hospitals have to update the data themselves. The hospitals have IDs and passwords. It is for uploading the data about the availability of beds and ventilators. Taking actions against hospitals denying beds to corona patients despite availability is important. To address the issue about the availability, four Grievance Officers have joined in too.
Court’s Decision
The Court said that there was a need for real-time updation of the data and ordered, “…. direct Govt. of NCT of Delhi as well as the Central Govt. that they will take all necessary steps for ensuring real-time updation of the data. Without too much of a time lag, so that the information received by the public is current. If any Committee is appointed by Government of NCT of Delhi, the said Committee will also take note of this fact that there shall be real- time updation of the data….”
The Court asked the Central Govt. to consider a suggestion to convert multi-speciality hospitals to COVID-19 hospitals. The Court ordered to take as many tests as possible based on the availability of the testing kits. The matter would be further heard on June 25.
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