Shimla, Jan 7
The new OPD block of the IGMC Shimla will now be put to use for the purpose of COVID-19 services. In a matter before the State high court, a double bench of Justice Tarlok Chauhan and Justice Satyen Vaidya, allowed the same. “In view of the new variant of OMICRON variant of COVID-19, that is spreading widely in the entire Country, we deem it proper to permit the petitioner-State to open New OPD Block/Trauma Ward at IGMC, Shimla, on purely humanitarian consideration, solely for the purpose of patients of COVID-19,” directed the double bench. The matter was brought before the court through State government.
The State government has approached the High court against the NGT order and its appointed Supervisory committee. The DB after hearing the matter, allowed the State government to use the aforesaid premises (New OPD Block and Trauma Block) for providing COVID-19 services.
Adding, further that, “… However, this order is being passed taking into consideration the exigencies of the prevalent conditions and shall not be construed to be conferring any kind of right upon the petitioner-State or any other person or authority and this order shall otherwise also not be treated or cited as a precedent, till and so long, the issue of jurisdiction is not decided,. The court has further listed the matter for hearing on Feb 22, this year.
