Delhi Govt’s ‘Entire System Failed’: HC On Oxygen Black-Marketing

FILE PHOTO: Family members mourn after a patient is declared dead outside a hospital in New Delhi, during the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic

The Delhi High Court today said the Aam Aadmi Party government’s “entire system has failed” as black-marketing of oxygen cylinders and crucial medicines for treating COVID-19 patients is going on.

A bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Rekha Palli observed it was not the time to become vultures. “Are you aware of black-marketing? Is it a good human gesture?” the bench said to oxygen refillers.

The bench further said, “This is a mess that the state government has been unable to resolve. You have the power, take action against those engaging in black marketing of oxygen cylinders and medicines.”

The hearing is still going on.

Meanwhile, as a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic rips through the country, the government on Monday said it is time people start wearing masks inside their homes as well, and refrain from inviting guests.

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi on Monday, NITI Aayog member (Health) Dr V K Paul said if there is a COVID-positive person inside the house, he or she must wear the mask so as to prevent other family members from getting infected.

“Rather, I”ll say that the time has come that we start wearing masks even otherwise inside our homes. We used to talk about wearing it outside homes, but the way the infection has spread, it will be better if we wear (a) mask inside our homes if we are sitting with someone,” he said.

“But, definitely, if there is a COVID-19 positive person, that person must wear the mask and others inside the house also must wear a mask and the positive person should be kept in a different room,” Paul underlined.

He added that people should also avoid stepping out of their home unnecessarily and not invite guests at home. He also suggested if the house lacks such facilities for isolation, then people may go to isolation centres, known as corona care centres.

Getting admitted to a hospital is not the only option, Paul said. “Hospital beds are used for the needy people.”

Highlighting the importance of vaccination, Paul said, “We cannot let the pace of COVID-19 vaccination decline or slacken in the face of the emerging situation. In fact, it should be escalated and with that intent, the government of India brought a revised (vaccination) policy. We believe and are confident that will bring in more acceleration,” he said.