NHRC seeks report from Centre and States on management of COVID-19

Ravi S Singh
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, May 11

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought a report from the Centre and the states on action taken on its 2.0 Advisory to combat the second wave of COVID-19-19 and medical relief to patients.

In a notice to the Centre and the States, the Commission has asked for submission of the report within four weeks.

In its May 4 Advisory, the Commission had stressed the need to take immediate action against those hoarding and black marketing of essential medicines, oxygen cylinders.

It also asked for revving up the production, transportation and distribution of essential resources.

Recommendations include provision of free treatment to COVID-19 patients who approached any public health facility.

Also, it asked for instituting functional and effective Help-Desks in all public and private hospitals for preliminary check-up.

Besides, there should be universal coverage and non-discriminatory pricing of COVID-19 vaccines in all health facilities of the country, and if feasible, vaccination should be made free for everyone irrespective of private or public health establishment along with adequate testing facilities for COVID-19 infection, and timely reports.

The Commission had also underlined the need for better management  of crematoriums and burial grounds, using electric crematorium and app-based interventions to be promoted among stakeholders;

The protection of Rights of COVID-19 warriors engaged should be ensured and the body of a deceased COVID-19 patient should be treated with dignity and handed over to the family ensuring all COVID-19 protocols.

Moreover, it wanted practical time restrictions should be imposed for buying essential commodities.