New Delhi: Overruling Delhi Chief Minster Arvind Kejriwal’s decision to reserve Covid-19 beds only for the residents of the Capital, Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal on Monday declared that treatment “should not be denied to any patient on the grounds of being a non-resident”.
Baijal also overturned the Delhi government’s order on testing only those showing Covid-19 symptoms and ordered strict compliance of ICMR guidelines, saying testing must for 9 categories as well as asymptomatic cases and high-risk contacts.
The order on hospitals referred to various verdicts of the Supreme Court that asserted right to health was an integral part of the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution. All government and private hospitals and nursing homes have to extend all Covid-19 treatment facilities without discrimination against residents or non-residents, the order stated.
Following LG’s new order, a dismayed Kejriwal said that it will create a challenge for his administration by tweeting:
“LG sahib’s order has created a huge problem and challenge for the people of Delhi. Providing treatment for people coming from all over the country during the corona pandemic is a big challenge. May God bless us to serve the people of the country. We will try to provide treatment to all.”
Kejriwal and AAP said the decision to restrict the use of hospitals was taken based on suggestions of the people of Delhi. “We received 7.5 lakh suggestions and 90% people said they wanted Delhi hospital beds reserved for Delhiites,” he had said.
The Chief Minister also acted on the advice of a five-member committee of doctors that predicted Delhi would need 15,000 beds by June-end, said officials.
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