Delhi govt moves SC against staying its decision to reserve ICU beds for COVID-19 patients

The Delhi govt has approached the SC against the Delhi High court order staying the state government's decision of reserving 80% of ICU beds for treating COVID-19 patients. The Delhi govt had earlier passed an order, reserving beds in 33 hospitals out of 168 present in the capital for COVID-19 patients.

New Delhi: The Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi government has filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the Delhi High Court's order of staying the state government's decision of reserving 80% of ICU beds for treating COVID 19 patients.

Due to the rise in infection of coronavirus, the Delhi government had passed an order reserving beds in 33 hospitals out of 168 present in the capital. In September the order was challenged in the High court which had stayed it.

Through its plea, the Delhi government contends that the cases have been increasing and as per experts recommendations, 20,604 beds will be required to meet the demands. It said that more than 4000 beds would be required in the coming days.

It informs further that it has allowed the hospitals to increase their ICU beds by 30% which means that there won't be any disturbance in the number of beds even if they reserve.

"Delhi is known for its good quality healthcare facilities and particularly acts as a magnet for people residing in neighbouring states, who wish to avail these facilities. Covid patients from outside Delhi are regularly coming and are availing the health facilities in Delhi," read the plea.

"If a covid-19 patient is referred to Delhi and does not get an ICU bed, it will be against his fundamental right to equality and access to proper healthcare and, therefore, reserving ICU beds for covid patients was a befitting decision," read the plea.

The matter is also pending before the division bench.