Sakshi Chhabra
The Delhi High Court questioned the logic behind the Delhi governments’ decision not to take over a 150-bed multi-speciality hospital in Delhi.
The hospital closed down in 2019 due to insolvency resolution process against its parent company.
The Bench of Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice Jasmeet Singh heard a petition filed by Rakesh Saxena, owner of Febris Multi-Speciality Hospital.
The petition sought permission to operate the hospital for the COVID-19 patients in need.
The petition requested the court to direct the renewal license of the hospital in view of the ongoing pandemic.
Delhi is facing acute shortage of oxygen supply, medicines and huge shortage in availability of beds.
The Delhi High Court encouraged the government to “think out of the box” as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is horrifying than ever before.
The court stated that the state is struggling to find beds on a daily basis and when the hospital is offering its services with 150-beds along with its medical team, why is the government not ready to accept it.
We do not understand the logic here, the court further stated.
“We are not in normal times. You have to think out of the box. How can you let go of a 150-bed hospital? You do not have to spend any money. He is bringing his own team of doctors. Impose any condition on him,” the court said.
The court further directed the Delhi government to file a reply containing the contains that need to be imposed on the petitioner with regards to the running of the hospital.
The matter will be heard next on May 12.