HC reserves order on plea for more swine flu test labs

New Delhi, March 18 (IANS) The Delhi High Court on Wednesday reserved its order on a plea seeking directions for the government to provide more laboratories in the national capital for swine flu tests at an affordable cost.

A division bench of Chief Justice G. Rohini and Justice R.S. Endlaw reserved the order after the petitioner and the government concluded their arguments.

The central government had earlier told the bench that it has been assisting state governments affected by swine flu, by providing logistic support for drugs and masks.

It has been regularly advising the state governments to deal with the viral disease, the central government said.

It, however, said that health being a state subject, the state governments are expected to take prompt measures.

The central government's response came after the high court asked it and the Delhi government to inform it about the steps taken to deal with the spreading swine flu.

The plea challenged "the inaction and lackadaisical and perfunctory approach of the government" in effectively dealing with swine flu.

The central government has established a network of 21 laboratories equipped to conduct tests for the virus.

Three of these labs are in Delhi, the Centre said, adding that Oseltamivir, the drug recommended by the WHO, is manufactured in India.

The Delhi government also filed an affidavit, saying it has been taking steps to deal with the disease.

The number of hospitals and labs has increased to 26 and 11, respectively, the court was told.