While considering the PIL over Covid-19 treatment rates in private hospitals, the Kerala High Court has said that the Covid-19 situation in the state is very serious. In the interim order, the court instructed the government to notify what it can do considering the public interest in reducing the price before May 4. In addition, the government informed the court that they had issued treatment rates last year. The court directed the government to discuss the matter again with the private hospitals on what more can be done to reduce the rates in private hospitals treating Covid patients.
The High Court observed that the rates charged by the private hospitals is ten times higher than the severity of the disease. While considering the PIL, the court also stated that many private hospitals were charging exorbitant rates for the treatment. A bench headed by Justice Devan Ramachandran and Justice MR Anitha was considering the plea.
The court even cited the experience of a Covid-19 patient experience where he said that he was able to overcome Covid-19, but not the private hospital bill. The government informed the court that they would consider reducing the treatment rates again and negotiation efforts were ongoing.
Meanwhile, the Kerala High Court has instructed that there should be no rallies in the state from May 1 to 4 in connection with the counting of votes in the Assembly elections. The HC further directed that strict actions should be taken against those violating the Covid-19 restrictions imposed in the wake of rising cases.
The court also stated that a case should be registered against those violating illegally under the Prevention of Infectious Disease Act.
