High Court directs government to increase resources because the peak of wave is yet to be reached

In maharaja Agrasen hospital charitable trust v. Union of India and ors, reason bench of Delhi High Court comprising Justice Vipin sanghi and Rkha palli was hearing a petition filed by maharaja Agrasen hospital due to shortage of oxygen.

Shortage of oxygen is becoming the problem of most of the state. The people are encountered with a lack of medical infrastructure or a shortage of life saving drugs or oxygen. Delhi is one of the places where it is observed that not even supply of oxygen at 480 MT per day is taking place.

So, the division bench of Delhi High Court enquired Delhi government on 24th April 2021 regarding their plan to augment medical infrastructure and facilities to meet the requirement of Indian citizens as peak of second covid wave is yet to come. They directs Central Government and government of national capital territory of Delhi to prepare an action plan for the same.

Solicitor general Tushar Mehta informed the court that Delhi does not have cryogenic tanks as it is not an industrial state nor do they own infrastructure of cryogenic tanks. But the Central Government will take reasonable actions to provide cryogenic tanks in the State. He added that the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) should also make efforts for the same, leaving things entirely on Central Government is not appropriate.

The supply of oxygen of only about 390 MT was received due to shortage of Cryogenic tankers. So, the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) should take action in procurement of Cryogenic tankers.

A fact came into the knowledge of Delhi High Court that Delhi government enlisted 10 IAS officers and 14 Danic officers for Delhi to check the supply of oxygen made to hospitals. Notification about the panel will be provided to hospitals and nursing homes through the website of GNCTC.