Delhi HC seeks Centre's response on steps taken to deal with swine flu

The court also heard a PIL seeking directions to make tests available at an affordable cost

The Delhi High Court Wednesday sought the Centre and Delhi government's response on the steps taken to deal with swine flu, while hearing a PIL seeking directions to make tests available at an affordable cost.

A division bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice R S Endlaw issued a notice to the union health minister, city's health ministry, civic bodies and the lieutenant governor on the issue and sought their response by March 4.

The PIL filed through advocate Gaurav Bahl said the government should provide more laboratories in the city for testing swine flu (H1N1 virus) and it should be available at an affordable cost.

"Government should establish multiple testing laboratories and that should be available at an affordable cost. Now, the cost of test is Rs 4500. It has to be reduced," argued Bahl.

Currently the government has only three laboratories in Delhi for testing swine flu, he told the court.