Deepali Kalia –
The Bombay High Court on June 2nd stated that the Municipal Corporation must follow Mumbai’s successful pattern of handling the COVID19 crisis in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and justice Girish Kulkarni made the particular observation while hearing a bunch of PILs on COVID 19 management.
The bench was informed by advocate-general (AG) Ashutosh Kumbhakoni that “Figures are going down drastically overall.”
It was previously noted by the High Court that the BMC commissioner’s efforts at handling COVID 19 crisis were even appreciated by the Apex court and that the Mumbai model must be adopted in all other districts of Maharashtra.
The bench then noted that the Mumbai model is more fitting for corporations in regions in its immediate proximity, like Thane, Navi Mumbai, Mira-Bhayander, Kalyan-Dombivli and Ulhasnagar.
“For these corporations, the Bombay (sic) pattern must be immediately followed,” stated Justice Kulkarni.
The bench stated that it is not as if the citizens of those places are differently placed from Mumbai.
“It ought to be done so that we get results like Bombay (sic). If this was to be done earlier, we would get better results.”Justice Kulkarni further added that “It’s better late than never”.
The bench also questioned the Additional Solicitor General, Anil Singh about the shortage of Amphotericin-B injections for black fungus cases to which the latter stated that the state has decided to manufacture it in–house at Haffkine. He further informed that the first batch of 40,000 vials will be available by June 10.
Singh was also quizzed on the supply of Remdesivir injection and oxygen availability by the bench to which the former replied that there was no issue. “Central government has taken a decision not to control Remdesivir distribution because cases have reduced and there is sufficient availability.”
The judges satisfied with the improvements with regard to the availability of Oxygen and Remdesivir said that with those immediate issues being sufficiently tackled with, the focus should be shifted to “Deal with newer diseases like mucormycosis and aspergillosis as well as the measures taken/ proposed to be taken by the respondents to contain the third wave which, as per the opinion of experts, is likely to affect the younger generation in particular.”
The Bombay High Court will hear pleas on these issues starting June 8.