N. Kirubakaran, J.:— These Writ Petitions have been filed (i) to call for the records pertaining to G.O.M.S. No. 174, dated 03.04.2020 passed by the respondent and quash the clause 4 of the same and direct the respondent to provide and ensure medical assistance irrespective of all COVID-19 affected patients at free of cost, (ii) to direct the 2 respondent to constitute a State Level Executive Committee to assist the State Government/State Disaster Management Authority to perform its functions in preventing & controlling the COVID-19 and constitute a District level Disaster Management Committee to prevent and control the COVID -19 and direct the 2 respondent notify and approve the ‘COVID-19’ isolated wards in Government & Private Hospitals wih free of costs for treatment and testing and handling all suspected persons who arrived from foreign country 01.03.2020 onwards, keep them into special quarantine camps and further provide personal protective equipments (PPE) especially for doctors, nurses and hospital staffs in COVID-19 wards as per the prescription of WHO and to quarantine a section among the workforce of essential services for future catastrophe of COVID-19.
2. It is stated by Mr. S. Parthasarathy, learned counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioner that the people living in areas like Korukupet, Vyasarpadi, Puliyanthoppu and Ambattur are not having sufficient food and migrant labourers are also locked up in those areas. Secondly, he would point out that as per the announcement made by the Hon'ble Chief Minister under Rule 110, on the floor of the Assembly on 24.03.2020, as per the requirements, Community Kitchens would be opened by the Chennai Corporation. However, so far no Community Kitchen has been opened. If Community Kitchens are opened, it would help people in those areas. He pointed out that sufficient number of Masks and Personal Protective Equipments (PPE) are not available and therefore, that has to be taken care of by the Government.
3. Mr. Aravind Pandian, learned Additional Advocate General appearing on behalf of the respondents would submit that there are about 37,648 number of Personal Protective Equipments (PPE), 1,17,000 number of N-95 Masks and 7,75,106 number of three layered masks. As far as testing kits are concerned, 14,000 number of testing kits are available as on date. He would submit that the supply is regularly coming and the numbers are increasing. With regard to the non-supply of food in those areas mentioned by the learned counsel for the petitioner, the learned Additional Advocate General would submit that as per the Policy of the Government, Rs. 1,000/- has been given to the ration card holders and free ration materials and groceries are also provided. Therefore, nobody is suffering for want of food. In any event, he would submit that he would inform the Authorities and verify the same and inform this Court in the next hearing.
4. With regard to the volunteers who are coming forward to help the Administration in these days of crisis, the learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that though about 45,000 persons including 100 Doctors and 3500 Para Medical Staffs have registered for voluntary service, their services are not being utilized.
5. However, learned Additional Advocate General would submit that in case of necessity for utilizing their services, the Administration is always willing to do that and in this regard also, he will verify and inform this Court in the next hearing.
6. Details regarding availability of Masks and other protective materials have been given by Mr. Aravind Pandian and the same is recorded. This Court is also concerned with the health condition of the Doctors, Health Workers, Sanitary Workers and the Policemen as they are the forefront warriors in the fight against the Corona Virus. Therefore, they should be given break sufficiently, which according to the learned Additional Advocate General is being given. They should also be safeguarded against the viral attack and therefore, they should be subjected to regular testing by the Authorities. This Court hails and appreciates the round the clock service rendered by Doctors, Health Workers, Sanitary workers and Policemen in the fight against dangerous pandemic which is threatening the entire humanity. This Court hopes and expects that respective Governments would appreciate their services by proper increase in their salaries. This Court is of the firm opinion that Doctors, Health workers and Policemen are doing service day and night throughout the years and their salary is not in commensurate with their work. Their work and services are essential for maintaining good health and law and order in the society.
7. Call the matters after two weeks.