Read Time: 03 minutes

The Supreme Court on Tuesday disposed of a Public Interest Litigation seeking directions to the Government to ensure that adequate medical treatment and facilities are provided to the non-Covid-19 patients.

A division bench of Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice BV Nagarathna disposed of the plea stating that the lockdown is over and nothing survives in the petition.

The plea filed by Advocate GS Mani stated that the Central Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and all States and UTs may be directed to ensure that adequate, frequent & proper Medical Treatment & Facilities are being provided to Non-Covid-19 Patients like Heart Patients, Pregnant Women, having a disease with Kidney, Liver, & lungs et. & patients waiting for major and minor medical operations and surgery, etc. during Covid-19 Lockdown period.

The bench while disposing of the plea allowed the petitioner to approach the Court if the need arises in the future.

Referring to the lockdown situation in the Country the plea added that the non-covid-19 patients also not getting admission, proper medical treatment, and facilities in govt and private hospitals in all the States and UTs due to heavy rush in the covid ward.

The plea further stated that the right of public health is a fundamental right guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. A state defines under Article 12 of the Constitution is duty-bound to protect the said fundamental right of every citizen, failing which the Supreme Court of India under Article 32 is duty-bound to enforce the same.