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Delhi Government To Ensure Helpline Number For Assisting Pregnant Women During Lockdown
In the case of Sama-Resource Group For Women And Health v. Union of India & Ors., the Division Bench of the High Court of Delhi comprising of Justice Hima Kohli and Justice Subramonium Prasad while taking the assurances given by the government of record instructed the Delhi Government to publicise the helpline number proposed to assist senior citizens as well as pregnant ladies, through newspapers and the social media as also through the Delhi Police, wherever possible.
This above mentioned petition sought access to timely, proper and affordable reproductive and neonatal healthcare services for all women and their newborn children.
A representative of the Petitioner informed to the court that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, duties of most of the Auxiliary Nurses and Midwives (ANMs) have been diverted to COVID related work and therefore, they are not readily available for assistance.
In view of this, the Court stated:
"Central Government and the Delhi Government shall work in tandem to make sure that no barriers are faced by pregnant ladies and their family members residing in hot spots during the lockdown."
The crux of the proceeding is as follows:
- there must be proper coordination between the Central and the State Government so that a Nodal Officer is appointed in every COVID-19 hotspot, and a dedicated helpline is set up for pregnant women seeking essential health services.
- sufficient number of Asha workers and ANMs to be made available in their respective areas so that they can reach out to the pregnant ladies and particularly those who are in the high risk category for a follow up.
- adequate assistance needs to be provided to pregnant women, particularly, in the last trimester which includes arranging transportation to and from the hospital pre-delivery, for delivery and post delivery, securing movement passes, etc.
Petitioner contended that the right to reproductive health is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. Further, the plea highlighted the plight of a pregnant woman who was denied medical services for being a non-COVID patient, or faced exorbitant costs at private hospitals.
In conclusion, the Delhi High Court has directed Delhi Government to ensure that the helpline number which is proposed to be set up within two days for assisting senior citizens in Delhi, is made available to pregnant ladies too.
