New Delhi, Apr 23 (UNI) The Delhi High Court on Friday directed all hospitals in the national capital to contact the government-appointed nodal officers for medical oxygen requirements after the Centre apprised the Court that a system has been put in place and a control room has been set up to ensure oxygen supply.
The court was hearing the plea filed by Bram Healthcare and Batra Hospital in Delhi seeking the HC's intervention in oxygen supply for treatment of Covid-19 patients.
The oxygen supply for medical purposes was turned contentious over the past few days after the city witnessed a rapid surge of Covid-19 patients mostly affected by heavy breathing problems.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta also informed the court about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting today with many Chief Ministers, including Arvind Kejriwal, in which he had impressed upon all states to avoid interfering with the free transportation of oxygen.
"We can't send paramilitary forces for the transportation of oxygen. Constitutionally it can't be done. There might be a conflict between the state police and the central forces. The arrangement has been made to sort it at the bureaucratic level," Mr Mehta said.
The court has asked the Delhi government to circulate numbers where Covid-19 hospitals can directly contact the government.
The high court also suggested that the government should also appoint another officer along with the nodal officer so that one person is not overwhelmed.
UNI JW SHK2002