Madras HC seeks details of testing kit availability

The Madras high court has directed the Tamil Nadu government to file a report on the availability of kits in the state for conducting Covid-19 tests, along with steps taken for more procurement and the possibilities of establishing mobile testing booths.
A division bench of Justice Vineet Kothari and Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana passed the order on a plea moved by advocate A Amal Antony.
The petitioner wanted the court to direct the state to form a committee to help the homeless and pavement dwellers and to conduct Covid-19 tests on them and provide them appropriate medical treatment.
Amal wanted the state to increase the number of government testing labs and private labs in each district for convenience of the public at large and to fix Rs 500 or any affordable fee for Covid-19 test.
According to the petitioner, though socially responsible people are providing food and water to homeless and pavement dwellers, relief materials other than just food has to be ensured by the state.
Since such people might not be aware of the places where such testing is done, the petitioner wanted the state to directly approach them to conduct the tests.
He said that since such people move from one area to another on daily basis, there are high chances of spreading the infection without their knowledge.