PANAJI
The Bombay High Court at Goa has warned the Goa government against prioritizing the economy over lives, telling the State government that it will have to focus ‘maximum’ on improving the oxygen supply in Goa and in particular
at GMC.
The statistics suggest that the positivity rate in Goa is still high. The medical infrastructure is severely overstretched. The doctors and nurses and the paramedical staff at the forefront of this fight against the epidemic are exhausted,” the High Court noted.
The Goa government approached the High Court with a plea to allow goods vehicles into Goa without insisting that their drivers be made to undergo Covid testing and produce negative certificates on entry. While granting the plea as sought by the State government, the High Court didn’t leave without a word of caution.
“All concerned must realize that there is no unnecessary insistence of waiver in the name of protecting the interests of the economy. No doubt, the importance of the economy can never be undermined, but at this stage at least, the priority and emphasis shall have to be on issues of health and survival. Ultimately, the economy is for the people and not the other way round,” the High Court said.
“Once the position improves, obviously the focus can and perhaps will have to shift on the economy, which the Advocate General points out is so vital. As of now, the State administration will have to focus maximum on improving the position of oxygen supply in the State and in particular at the GMC. As of now, none can afford to remain in a state of denial about this crucial issue which is taking away the precious lives of our people,” the High Court said.
