From conduct of tests to hospitalization of patients: Karnataka HC questions state govt on protocol for COVID-19 medical facilities

The Karnataka High Court today posed a series of questions to the state government, ranging from the time taken for COVID-19 test reports to the mechanism to seek admission in hospitals for treatment..These questions were raised by the Court while dealing with two letter petitions underlining the lack of medical facilities for COVID-19 patients in hospitals..A Bench of Chief Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka and Justice Aravind Kumar has sought answers from the government on the following issues: .If a person himself wants to undergo test for COVID-19, in what manner can he approach designated laboratories? Whether any timelines are fixed for getting test report from various laboratories? If a person is tested COVID-19 positive, in what manner immediate medical advice is available? If a person tests positive and is advised to be hospitalized, whether online data on the availability of beds in the city of Bengaluru with facility of real time updation is available? If a patient is advised to get admitted in ICU, in what manner can he immediately secure admission to such hospitals? In the event ICU bed/ventilator is not available, is there any authority with whom complaint can be lodged so that immediate arrangement is made for availability of beds with ICU and for ventilator?.The Court noted that several complaints were received pertaining to COVID-19 test results not being made available for days. As an example, the Court said that on July 4, when 12 judicial officers of the High Court tested positive, their test reports were received only after 8 days. .The issue of ill-treatment of dead bodies of COVID-19 patients was also brought up briefly.."However, what is urgent is the first part of having a protocol from conduct of (COVID-19) tests till hospitalization of the patient and availability of information."Karnataka High Court.The Court further opined that it would be appropriate if the state government creates a centralized mechanism, where a large number of helplines can be made available to offer assistance to patients affected with COVID-19. Such telephone numbers should be given wide publicity not only in the media, but also by displaying information in the labs conducting COVID-19 tests and fever clinics, the Court suggested..Taking note of the increasing number of daily cases in Bangalore, the Court stated,."More than 1,000 positive cases are being reported in the city of Bengaluru everyday. We direct the State Government to immediately respond on these issues"..When the matter came up for hearing today, the Court orally cautioned the state government that it would have to submit its protocol, failing which the Court would be compelled to issue mandatory directions..Clarify protocol for admitting COVID-19 patients into hospitals: Karnataka HC to state government .The matter has been next posted for hearing on July 14. .Last week, the Court had sought a clarification from the state government regarding the protocol adopted for admitting COVID-19 patients into hospitals.