Private hospitals need to cap Covid -19 treatment charges – Supreme Court

It is unfortunate that the Supreme Court has to take cognizance. The public expects the Government to act its own.

New Delhi – The common man cannot afford the corona treatment. More measures should be planned to combat corona. The fees charged by private hospitals for Corona treatment should be capped. States need to act more cautiously and in coordination with the Center. Health of the citizens is a priority. Stringent action should be taken on those who violate the guidelines and not follow the standard norms. They cannot be permitted to play with the lives of others; the Supreme Court said to the Central government.

Court further stated that,

1. Health is a fundamental right and treatment should be affordable. Coronavirus    treatment is expensive. The situation is such that even if a person is cured of coronavirus, he is financially ruined. Therefore, the State Governments and local administration need act to protect the citizens. The state government should exercise its powers under the Disaster Management Act
2. Despite “fighting a world war” against the disease, due to violation of the protocols, the disease spread like a forest fire. During this adverse time, there should be coordination between the government and the private sector. Health workers, doctors, nurses, despite mental and physical stress, have worked for 8 months without rest. Now they need to be given some relief. States are required to work in coordination with the Center. It was an unprecedented situation that caused a huge loss to the entire world and the world also faced a world war like situation against Coronavirus.
3. The decision to impose a lockdown or a curfew will have to be announced well in advance so that people will be able to follow the norms and take care of their livelihood.
4. People should follow the rules while on duty. In Gujarat, even after a collection of Rs. 60 to 90 crores as fine for violation of rules, people do not seem to follow the rules. Therefore, the Home Secretary and Chief Secretary of the state should give strict orders to the police in this matter.