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Taking note of the looming danger of Omicron infection, the Tripura High Court last week called upon the state government to take immediate steps for procuring necessary equipment for the proposed Unit for Genome sequencing in the Virology Laboratory at Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC).

The Unit has already been sanctioned by the State, however, the file pertaining to this matter is still awaiting final clearance.

The bench of Chief Justice Indrajit Mahanty and Justice S. Talapatra observed, "We need to stress herein the importance of such equipment to be purchased immediately keeping in view the necessity of Genome sequencing especially with the arrival of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 in our country."

Court, however, added that the benefit of such Genome sequencing will be highly essential for the doctors in the State of Tripura to treat its patients not only for Omicron variant of Covid-19 but for many other diseases for which treatments are not available bereft of the knowledge of Genome sequencing.

Adopting a proactive approach, the court also stressed that once the Government places its order for the lab equipment, it may simultaneously send the persons who will be in-charge of operating the said equipment for necessary training.

Court said that it should be done so that by the time the equipment is installed, trained manpower is available on site for the purpose of operating the machine for the benefit of the citizens of the State.

The Director of Health Services of the State has been directed to file an affidavit detailing the appropriate steps taken in this regard before the next date of hearing i.e. January 28, 2022. 

This development took place during the hearing of a batch of cases that date back to last year. The cases relate to the issue of State's preparations against the Covid-19 pandemic. 

In pursuance of court's directions as stated in the order dated November 19, 2021, the State Government had filed an affidavit indicating as to what steps have been taken by the State for the purpose of vaccination, treatment of patients and installation of oxygen plants.

Though the bench appreciated the substantial progress in the matter of vaccination, it also suggested that a special drive should also be undertaken for those who have only taken the 1 st doze and not taken the 2nd dose.

Court said that since the details of all the beneficiaries who have been vaccinated are available with the State, messages can be sent by SMS and or other means suggesting to the general public to come for the 2 nd dose of vaccination.

Court added that apart from this, advertisements can also be published in the newspapers repeatedly reminding citizens of Tripura about the importance and necessity to take the 2nd doze.

Furthermore, Court also emphasized the need for special drives especially for people who are living in far-flung distant places especially within forests and within inaccessible places.

Case Title: Court on its Own Motion v. The State through Chief Secretary and Anr. and 2 other connected matters