The Delhi High Court in the case of Nirmal Gorana v. Govt. of NCT of Delhi (GNCTD) and Ors, ordered to depute a senior officer to visit the Quarantine Facility. The petitioner filed a PIL contending the facilities provided to the patients.
Contentions of the Petitioners
The petitioner states that the Respondents have failed to provide a clean and hygienic environment to the patients along with other facilities. It also states that the Respondents have failed to follow the recommendations. Also, the patients are not provided with proper treatment. Lastly, there are no proper doctor visits and the food provided is not of adequate quality. Fourthly, there is a lack of basic items to the patients.
Contentions of the Respondent
The affidavit filed on behalf of GNCTD opposed the contention in a detailed manner.
Firstly, the authorities have isolated COVID-19 suspected persons. Secondly, if the symptoms exist there is Medical intervention available. Thirdly, the housekeeping and sanitation staffs are working for sanitation and cleanliness, where they clean floors by the 1% hypochlorite solution. Any waste generated is disposed of as bio-medical waste.
This is as per the BMW Management guidelines. An inspection committee ensures the compliance of Bio-Medical Waste Management protocol.
Doctors are there at a particular place at the ground in each block. If an inmate has any medical issue, he/she can visit the doctor for treatment/consultation. The inmates and the officers at the facility consume the same food. No inmate till date has complained in this regard. For the inmates who are on Roza, a special menu of Sehri and Ifftari is also provided to them.
Each person receives one separate room along with a kit containing 32 items. The kit includes
- a cot,
- a mattress,
- a bed-sheet,
- a medical Sheet,
- a pillow with cover,
- a quilt,
- an electric kettle,
- an immersion rod,
- a mosquito repellent,
- a towel,
- a soap,
- a toothpaste,
- a brush and other usable items.
They replace some of these items including bed-sheet and medical sheet. The duty staff attends the issues raised on a special mobile number for each block. Different departmental in-charges have a walkie-talkie for communicating and resolving issues.
Court’s Decision
The Delhi High Court attended this matter via video conferencing. The two-judge bench comprised of Justice Manmohan and Justice Sanjeev Narula. The Court finds the petitioner’s allegation bald and vague. Furthermore, the bench noted that there is no mention of a complaint made by an aggrieved patient.
The Court disposes of the present writ petition. A direction was also issued to the Secretary, Department of Health, Government of NCT of Delhi.
The court directed to appoint a senior officer to visit the Quarantine Facility, Narela once in three days. The officer has to ensure that the medical officers and staff perform their duties. The court also directed to take action against the health workers if there is any dereliction of duty.
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