The Karnataka HC has asked the state government to consider modifying the constitution of the state level expert Committee constituted based on the directions issued by the SC to supervise Covid-19 Hospitals, on finding out that it has not discharged its duties properly.
A division bench of Chief Justice Abhay Oka and Justice Aravind Kumar on going through the report submitted by the committee noted that the data published by the state govt. of the number of cases reported every day will show that the cases in the entire State and in particular, the city of Bangalore are on the rise. It is therefore expected that the State Level Committee which is appointed as per the directions of the Apex Court will play a very proactive role. The report submitted by the Member Secretary shows that the State Level Committee has not discharged its duties.
The court rejected the report submitted by the committee which suggested that in terms of providing amenities and facilities there are no deficiencies in any of the Covid-29 hospitals in the state. The bench reminded the government that Right to lead a healthy life is a part of the fundamental rights guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
In regard of the insurance amount to be paid to the family members of pourakarmika who was deputed at Covid care centre, the court said if the New India Assurance Company takes unreasonable time in releasing the amount the state govt. can move the court so that an appropriate direction can be issued to the company.
Accordingly, it directed the government to immediately take a call on activating the State Level Committee and the District Level Committees for ensuring that they perform their duties. To come out with a program or scheme which will ensure that the availability of adequate infrastructure and facilities in all the private COVID hospitals in the State is monitored regularly.
