WE ARE FEELING ASHAMED OF OURSELVES FOR BEING A PART OF SUCH A NASTY SOCIETY - THE NAGPUR BENCH OF THE BOMBAY HC TO STATE GOVERNMENT

22nd April 2021

The Nagpur bench of the Bombay HC gave an ultimatum to the State government for not complying with its earlier order directing to supply 10,000 remdesivir, an antiviral drug, to the Covid 19 hospitals of the city. The bench pulled up the State government while hearing a Suo Motu PIL on oxygen shortage, non-availability of Remdesivir and hospital beds in the City.

Senior Adv MG Bhangde, appearing for the Maharashtra Government, submitted two affidavits filed by the joint commissioner (FDA) and the Additional collector. Justices Sunil Shukre and SM Modak noted the affidavits had contradictory statements and that the officers have started to shirk their responsibilities. The bench further scornfully told the Joint commissioner of FDA, who claimed that the State Government has no role over procurement of Remdesivir for private hospitals, that "If you don't feel ashamed of yourself, we are feeling ashamed of ourselves for being a part of such nasty society. We are not able to find any solution for the helpless people of Maharashtra." More than 100 patients are dying in Nagpur.

The bench also showed dissatisfaction over the uneven distribution of medicines among different districts. Thane collector was provided 5328 Remdesivir against 2664 covid bed whereas, merely 3326 Remdesivir provided to Nagpur against 8250 Covid 19 beds.

The bench further directed Nagpur Covid-19 Committee to hold an emergency meeting today itself and come back to the Court with some positive response.

Pc - DMA INDIA

Author - Papiha Ghoshal