Imported used ventilators can be of help: Punjab and Haryana High Court

Saurabh Malik

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 4

The Punjab and Haryana High Court today asserted that 32 imported used ventilators could be of help to serious patients. The assertion came after the Bench was told that the 32 used ventilators were found to be in working condition.

The development is significant as the import of used ventilators is, otherwise, banned in India. Taking a note of the submission, the Bench of Justice Rajan Gupta and Justice Karamjit Singh asserted: “We, prima facie, feel that in case, the ventilators are put to use, it may be of help to some serious patients”.

The Bench also directed the forwarding of the order’s copy to Additional Solicitor-General of India Satya Pal Jain for enabling him to seek instructions, “particularly keeping in view the matter involves the question of saving lives of critical patients”.

The directions came less than a month after the Bench asserted that the Union Government and other respondents were asked to explain the reasons why import of used ventilators had been banned in the country. But clear answer was not forthcoming.

As the case came up for resumed hearing through video-conferencing this afternoon, the Bench was told that a committee of experts came to the conclusion after examining the matter that the ventilators, of reputed brands, were found to be in working condition. But these may be put to use subject to clarification of disinfection, effectiveness and assured maintenance by the refurbishing company”.