CHANDIGARH: If at all the state government had kept the phrase ‘A stitch in time saves nine’ in mind, there would not have been so many new
Covid-19 cases and deaths in the state, the Himachal Pradesh high court observed on Thursday. However, the court did not hold the government solely responsible for it, saying, “We may note with regret that the public at large has also exhibited behaviour which is nothing short of being callous, negligent and irresponsible.”
A division bench of Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Jyotsna Rewal Dua said the government should also consider making test mandatory for people entering the state and ensure that senior doctors in all notified Covid hospitals visit the ward on regular basis. Additional incentives could be considered for those on Covid duties, including outsourced workers, especially Class III and IV, it added.
The HC also directed the state to consider stationing liquid oxygen tankers at all notified Covid hospitals. Patients undergoing treatment at home will be contacted by dedicated medical personnel at least twice a day over telephone to monitor treatment, it added.
It directed the government to ensure that manpower hired temporarily on outsource basis be appointed as expeditiously as possible and in no event later than December 5. While directing ramping up testing, it the sample collecting authority must obtain contact number, e-mail ID, if any, and other details like age, address, so that result can be communicated on e-mail, WhatsApp and so on. Such report should be supplied in a time bound manner and in no event after 48 hours, bearing in mind the necessary protocols, it added.
It said wide publicity should be given about testing to be done at walk-in kiosks in all towns for collection of samples every day. Other directions included a dedicated helpline in all Covid hospitals, patients who can afford, be permitted to have trained nursing attendant at their own cost, ensure bodies of patients who succumb are wrapped properly immediately after removing it immediately from the ward, clean and hygienic toilets at all times, provisions for hot water and steamers and strict enforcement of masks, social distancing and quarantine.