All steps taken to protect health workers: Centre tells SC

The centre has assured the apex court that all steps are being taken to support frontline health workers in their fight against COVID-19. According to reports, the centre claimed that all states have been notified with regards to cut in salaries and said no health worker will face any such deductions.

New Delhi: The Centre apprised the Supreme Court today that it is not against any of the PILs filed seeking provision of protective gear and other facilities to health workers treating COVID-19 patients and assured timely government intervention.

The apex court was hearing PILs seeking common prayer(s) for access to protective gear, hazmat suits, PPEs, masks and other requisite equipment to all healthcare workers across India.

According to reports, the centre claimed that all states have been notified with regards to cut in salaries and said no health worker will face any such deductions.

"We have police pickets in all hospitals to ensure that people who should not be mixing with other population, should not leave the hospital. The police and government will be walking the extra mile to protect doctors," Center told SC.

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The bench comprising of Justice Ashok Bhushan and Justice S Ravindra Bhat suggested that a mechanism should be created at district level where nodal officers can be appointed to get suggestions from all persons.

The centre also informed the court that they already have a control room with officials from Home, Health and AYUSH ministries at the state level which are monitoring calls, suggestions and complains.

Senior Advocate Mukul Rohtagi contended that doctors are scared to come forward which would lead to the collapse of the health system. He had also pointed out reports which claimed that salaries of the doctors and staff at government hospitals are being cut and the positive corona patients are escaping from hospitals.