SC rejects PIL seeking free COVID19 treatment for all

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 21

The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a PIL filed by an advocate seeking direction to the Centre, states and union territories to provide free COVID19 treatment till pandemic was contained.

“It’s for the government to take a call on it. The government has to decide on who to give free treatment. We do not have any funds with us,” a bench headed by Justice NV Ramana said dismissing advocate Amit Dwivedi’s PIL.

“Do not create publicity interest litigation,” it told Dwivedi during the hearing conducted via video-conferencing.

Government hospitals were already giving free treatment to COVID19 patients, it noted.

Dwivedi wanted a direction to the authorities to conduct all tests, procedures and treatments in relation to COVID19 free of cost for all citizens till the pandemic was contained.

Earlier, the top court had dismissed his plea for a direction to the Centre, states and union territories to nationalise all healthcare facilities in the wake of COVID19 crisis.

The government maintained that it has taken appropriate measures to provide adequate healthcare facilities to citizens.