Increase salaries of personnel in the forefront, says HC

A special division bench comprising Justice N Kirubakaran and Justice R Hemalatha made the observation while hearing a plea moved by S Jimraj Milton seeking for a direction to the Health Secretary to provide free medical assistance to all COVID-19 patients.

“This court hopes and expects the 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 year, but their salary is not commensurate with their work. Their work and services are essential for maintaining good health, and law and order in the society,” the bench said.

The court said it was also concerned about the health of the doctors, health workers, sanitary workers and the policemen, who are the forefront warriors in the fight against coronavirus. “They should be given a break sufficiently. They should also be safeguarded against the viral attacks and hence should be subjected to regular testing by the authorities,” the bench added.

During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel informed the court that the State was yet to utilise the services of as many as 45,000 persons, including 100 doctors and 3,500 paramedical staff, who have registered for voluntary service in view of the coronavirus outbreak.

However, Additional Advocate General PH Arvind Pandian informed the court that the administration was always willing to utilise their services in case of necessity. He added that he would verify and inform the court during the next hearing.

The AAG also informed the court that there were about 37,648 personal protective equipment (PPE), 1.17 lakh N-95 masks and 7.75 lakh three-ply masks as of now.

As far as testing kits were concerned, 14,000 of them are available as on date, he said, adding that due to the distribution of ration materials and groceries, and Rs 1,000 in cash, nobody in Tamil Nadu was suffering from want of food.