Petition filed against AAP Govt's decision to limit treatment in Hospitals only to Delhi Residents

The Delhi Government's oder to restrict the COVID-19 treatment in State Government run hospitals as well as in private hospitals and nursing homes to bonafide residents of Delhi only has collcted criticism as other school of thought.

A plea has now been moved in the Delhi High Court challenging the decision.

The petitioner (DU Students) belongs to UP and Bihar and contend that this decision by Delhi Govt would adversely affect the health concerns of those who have been living in Delhi but don't have a bonafide proof of residence.

It has been claimed in the plea that the order breaches Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution.

The Petitioners further submit that the order is neither based on intelligible differentia nor meets with the objective sought to be achieved of controlling the spread of COVID- 19 in the NCT of Delhi.

It is also argued that the said order also violatives Article 19(1)(e) of the Constitution as the same under the umberalla of pandemic is forcing the residents to move out of the State. The decision also siege the Right to Health under Article 21 of the Constitution.

The petition to this regard read:

To the concern of the petitioner, malpractices can be promoted under cover of this order. Private hospitals can indulge in selling bed which is they claim already going on.

Citing the surge of COVID-19 positive cases in Delhi, resulting in increasing demand of hospital beds, the Secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare, GNCTD, on Sunday invoking powers under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 and Delhi Epidemic Diseases, COVID-19 Regulations, 2020 and issued the said order.

As per the order, the documents to show residence status, are Voter ID, Bank/Kisan/Post Office current Passbook, Ration Card, Driving License, Passport, Income Tax Returns, Latest Water/Telephone/Electricity/Gas Connection Bill in the name of patient or his/her immediate relations like parents etc, postal department's post delivered at the patient's name at given address, Aadhaar card made prior to June 07.

Exception has however been made in regard to transplantation, oncology, neurosurgeries, treatment for road accident cases and acid attack cases happening within NCT of Delhi.

Pic Courtsey: The Hindu