HC directs Himachal Pradesh to get more Covid-19 ventilators, beds

SHIMLA: In a matter related to a spurt in Covid cases in the state, the Himachal Pradesh high court on Friday directed the state government to increase the number of ventilators and beds in Covid hospitals and health centres and distribution of oximeters among patients who require the same.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice L Narayana Swamy and Justice Anoop Chitkara passed these orders after taking suo motu cognizance of the matter as a public interest litigation (PIL). The court, in its earlier order, had issued a notice to the state government and directed to make submissions with regard to steps taken in this regard. In compliance to aforesaid orders, the advocate general submitted that proper treatment was being given to Covid patients across the state and patients were not facing any hardship.

After going through submissions filed by the state, the court observed that sufficient ventilators were not provided in dedicated Covid hospitals and they need to be increased, as Bilaspur only had four ventilators and Sirmaur only one.