Doctor Moves Delhi HC against Govt. Order to Limit Covid 19 Testing to only Symptomatic Individuals

The petition filed by Dr. Manni Hingorani points out that as per settled medical practice, every patient scheduled for surgery has to get Covid 19 test done, regardless of whether the patient is symptomatic or asymptomatic of Covid 19. 

It is submitted that since patients who are asymptomatic for Covid 19 and are to undergo surgery, whether elective or emergency, are not being given access to Covid 19 Test, the Doctor is unable to require her patients to get the Covid 19 test done. It is also essential to prevent the transmission of infection from an asymptomatic Covid positive patient to the operating surgeon, the nurses and the OT/ hospital staff.

Accordingly, it has been contended that the impugned Order has the effect of putting unreasonable restrictions upon the right of the Petitioner to carry out her professional duties as a surgeon and it violates her fundamental rights guaranteed by Article 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution.

The matter is likely to be heard on June 9, 2020.

By Priyanka of SPPU