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New Indian Express
9 hours ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
Delhi HC worried over 'next pandemic'; flags delay in SOP
NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court has pulled up the Centre over delays in finalising basic protocols for COVID-19 sample collection, noting that the 'next pandemic is far from over' and the issue can't be allowed to drift. Justice Anish Dayal, in an order dated May 28, called for a status report on steps taken so far regarding standards for sample collection, collection centres, and transportation of biological samples. 'This matter assumes urgency considering that there were wide reports of COVID-19 being active in the community. It would, therefore, be expected from the respondent to crystallise an urgent set of measures… and whatever decision was taken in the meeting has reached its proper conclusion,' the judge said. The case arises from a contempt plea filed by Dr Rohit Jain, who alleged that the government had failed to act on a January 27, 2023 order passed by a division bench. The court had then directed the Centre to treat his petition as a representation and issue a reasoned decision within 12 weeks.
The Hindu
a day ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Delhi High Court seeks Centre's stand on SOPs for sample collection, transport of lab test
The Delhi High Court has directed the Centre to submit a status report on its progress in finalising standard operating procedures (SOPs) for sample collection and transport, and storage for all laboratory tests, noting with concern that the 'next Covid Pandemic is far from over' and appears to be active in the community. The court was dealing with a contempt petition filed by Dr. Rohit Jain, who said that that despite directions of the High Court in January 2023, no guidelines have come to be formulated by the Centre with respect to establishment of minimum standards for sample collection. Pursuant to the order, a decision was taken to constitute four sub-committees of experts of pathology, biochemistry, haematology and microbiology. The members of the committee were from Central Government Hospitals and were tasked with formulating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for sample collection, sample collection centres, and the transport of samples, including guidelines on storage standards. Justice Anish Dayal noted that that while a meeting had been held on May 30, 2023, to deliberate on these issues, there is no update on outcome of that meeting or any resulting decisions. 'Considering that the next Covid Pandemic is far from over and in fact, active, amongst the community, today, as per news reports, the vacuum, if any, of steps taken post the meeting of 30th May 2023, is a serious issue,' the court said in it May 28, 2025 order. 'This assumes certain urgency, considering that there are wide reports of COVID-19, being active in the community, as on date; it would, therefore, be expected from the respondent to crystallize an urgent set of measures, in order that these SOPs are in place and whatever decision was taken in the meeting, has reached its proper conclusion,' the court said. The Court has asked Ms. Monika Arora, Central Government Standing Counsel, to personally ensure that relevant officers are apprised of the directions and that a comprehensive status report is filed within six weeks. It posted the case for further hearing on July 18.
India Gazette
a day ago
- Health
- India Gazette
Delhi HC seeks government update on COVID-19 testing standards amid rising cases
New Delhi [India], June 2 (ANI): The Delhi High Court has directed the Union Government to submit a comprehensive status report detailing its actions regarding the policy for sample collection, collection centres, and transportation of samples, underscoring that the 'next COVID-19 pandemic is far from over.' Expressing concern over the lack of clarity on steps taken following a meeting on May 30, 2023, the court emphasized the urgency of finalizing and implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). It noted widespread reports of COVID-19 cases within the community, highlighting the necessity of swift and decisive measures. The directive came in response to a contempt plea filed by Dr Rohit Jain, who alleged that authorities had failed to act on previous court orders mandating the establishment of minimum standards for sample collection and transportation. The bench of Justice Anish Dayal was last week informed by government counsel Monika Arora that a status report would be submitted. It was also revealed that, following a January 27, 2023 court order, a meeting chaired by the Additional Director General of Health Services took place on May 30, 2023. During the meeting, four expert sub-committees--comprising specialists in pathology, biochemistry, hematology, and microbiology from central government hospitals--were tasked with defining SOPs for sample handling and storage. Despite these developments, the court stressed the importance of ensuring that decisions taken in the meeting reach a proper conclusion. The matter has now been listed for further hearing, with the Union Government required to submit its status report by July 18. As of 8 AM on Monday, June 2, 2025, India has recorded 3,961 active COVID-19 cases, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The total number of COVID-19-related deaths since January has risen to 32, with four new fatalities reported since Sunday, June 1, 2025. (ANI)
The Hindu
a day ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Delhi HC seeks Centre's stand on SoPs for sample collection, transport of lab test
The Delhi High Court has directed the Centre to submit a status report on its progress in finalising standard operating procedures (SoPs) for sample collection and transport, and storage for all laboratory tests, noting with concern that the 'next Covid Pandemic is far from over' and appears to be active in the community. The court was dealing with a contempt petition filed by Dr Rohit Jain, who said that that despite directions of the High Court in January 2023, no guidelines have come to be formulated by the Centre with respect to establishment of minimum standards for sample collection. Pursuant to the order, a decision was taken to constitute four sub-committees of experts of pathology, biochemistry, haematology and microbiology. The members of the committee were from Central Government Hospitals and were tasked with formulating Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) for sample collection, sample collection centres, and the transport of samples, including guidelines on storage standards. Justice Anish Dayal noted that that while a meeting had been held on May 30, 2023, to deliberate on these issues, there is no update on outcome of that meeting or any resulting decisions. 'Considering that the next Covid Pandemic is far from over and in fact, active, amongst the community, today, as per news reports, the vacuum, if any, of steps taken post the meeting of 30th May 2023, is a serious issue,' the court said in it May 28 order. 'This assumes certain urgency, considering that there are wide reports of COVID-19, being active in the community, as on date; it would, therefore, be expected from the respondent to crystallize an urgent set of measures, in order that these SoPs are in place and whatever decision was taken in the meeting, has reached its proper conclusion,' the court said. The Court has asked Ms Monika Arora, Central Government Standing Counsel, to personally ensure that relevant officers are apprised of the directions and that a comprehensive status report is filed within six weeks. It posted the case for further hearing on July 18.
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Business Standard
a day ago
- Health
- Business Standard
Delhi HC seeks govt update on Covid-19 testing standards amid rising cases
The Delhi High Court has directed the Union Government to submit a comprehensive status report detailing its actions regarding the policy for sample collection, collection centres, and transportation of samples, underscoring that the "next Covid-19 pandemic is far from over." Expressing concern over the lack of clarity on steps taken following a meeting on May 30, 2023, the court emphasized the urgency of finalizing and implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). It noted widespread reports of Covid-19 cases within the community, highlighting the necessity of swift and decisive measures. The directive came in response to a contempt plea filed by Dr Rohit Jain, who alleged that authorities had failed to act on previous court orders mandating the establishment of minimum standards for sample collection and transportation. The bench of Justice Anish Dayal was last week informed by government counsel Monika Arora that a status report would be submitted. It was also revealed that, following a January 27, 2023 court order, a meeting chaired by the Additional Director General of Health Services took place on May 30, 2023. During the meeting, four expert sub-committees--comprising specialists in pathology, biochemistry, hematology, and microbiology from central government hospitals--were tasked with defining SOPs for sample handling and storage. Despite these developments, the court stressed the importance of ensuring that decisions taken in the meeting reach a proper conclusion. The matter has now been listed for further hearing, with the Union Government required to submit its status report by July 18. As of 8 AM on Monday, June 2, 2025, India has recorded 3,961 active Covid-19 cases, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The total number of COVID-19-related deaths since January has risen to 32, with four new fatalities reported since Sunday, June 1, 2025.
