Swine flu:HC reserve verdict on a plea for check-up of people

The Delhi High Court today reserved its judgement on a plea seeking a thorough check-up of people arriving from the worst swine flu-affected states at the airport and the railway stations here.
"We will consider the matter and pass an appropriate order," a bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw said.
Counsel for petitioner Leena Tuteja argued that as per the replies filed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Health and Family Welfare Department of Delhi government, it has been conceded that there is no arrangement for check-up of people at the airport and the railway stations.

The bench asked the petitioner whether is it possible to check thousands of people coming at the airport and railway stations and when it takes around 24 hours for the report of the test.
"What should we do then? Do we put all the people in custody till the report of tests come?" the bench remarked.
Counsel for petitioner said that even charges of swine flu tests are very high and it becomes difficult for the poor man to pay Rs 4000- Rs 5000.

He said even the medicines are not available at different hospitals and medical stores at affordable prices.

Counsel, appearing for the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, said that a meeting with drug manufacturers have been held with the authorities and it is being ensured that there is no shortage of medicines.
To this, the bench said it will pass a detailed order and reserved its verdict on the plea.
On March 10, the court had sought the Centre and city government's responses within a week on the plea.
The petitioner has also sought directions to put up hoardings at all public places and at all prominent places of Delhi informing people about the disease.
Tuteja has already filed a PIL seeking directions to make tests available at an affordable cost in the national capital.

The Centre had informed the court that three government labs were doing swine flu tests free of cost and adequate measures have been taken to mitigate the impact of the disease.