New Delhi, Dec 18: It is a “world war” against COVID-19 and the unprecedented pandemic has spread like a “wild fire” due to lack of implementation of guidelines and standard operating procedure (SoPs) issued by authorities to contain it, the Supreme Court said on Friday while expressing concern that the treatment for coronavirus was not affordable to the common people.
The apex court, which suggested either more and more provisions are to be made by the state governments and the local administrations or there shall be cap on the fees charged by the private hospitals, observed that states must act vigilantly and work harmoniously with the Centre as safety and health of citizens must be the first priority rather than any other considerations. It said “strict and stern action” should be taken against those who are violating guidelines and SoPs as they cannot be permitted to play with the lives of others. A bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan while noting that right to health is a fundamental right and it includes affordable treatment, said treatment has become costlier and is not affordable to all.
“Due to unprecedented pandemic, everybody in the world is suffering, one way or the other. It is a world war against COVID-19. Therefore, there shall be government public partnership to avoid world war against COVID-19,” it said.
Advocating that states must work harmoniously with the Centre, it said, “It is the time to rise to the occasion”. It also said that any decision to impose curfew or lockdown must be announced long in advance so that people may know and make provisions for their livelihood. It said more police be deployed at places like food courts, eateries, vegetable markets, mandis, bus stations and railway stations where there is likelihood of gathering. (PTI)
