Madras High Court Expresses Concern Over Entourage Accompanying Legislators During Hospital Visits Amid Covid-19

On being informed that some MLAs come with a "train of supporters", a Division Bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy said the number of people accompanying the MLAs/ Ministers should be restricted to ensure strict adherence to Covid protocol.

"All concerned, including the hospitals and clinics that the MLAs visit for the purpose of looking into the conditions thereat or to oversee the treatment provided, should maintain the Covid protocol at all times.

It sometimes happens that despite the person leading the team advising others not to accompany, the enthusiasm cannot be checked. There may be a need, at times, to restrict the number of persons accompanying legislators and the like while they go on their visits," it observed.

The Bench also noted that by and large the second of Covid-19 has been controlled in the State of Tamil Nadu and the only area of concern is availability of vaccines

"Earlier, the Union's commitment to ensure that 216 crore doses of vaccine are available by the end of the year has been recorded. It is hoped that the target is met sooner, rather than later…It is hoped that the vaccination drive and the awareness drive to administer vaccine are kept up and the superstitions and the unsubstantiated myths built around the vaccine are dispelled," it observed in this regard.

The Bench also advised the health authorities to not dispense with additional facilities for the time being.

"It is only hoped that the additional facilities are not discontinued for the next few months and, even if it costs a bit more, they are maintained if only to ensure that the dearth that was faced during the second surge is not repeated," it said.

The matter is fixed for hearing on June 7 for hearing regarding availability of beds, supply of oxygen, augmentation of supply of drugs to deal with mucormycosis and capping of the rates to be charged at private hospitals.

Case Title: Suo-Motu writ petition v. Union Government of India

Click Here To Download Order

Read Order