Delhi government on Wednesday submitted its response stating that it is not mandatory for pregnant women to undergo coronavirus tests unless she is coming from a hotspot region or had came in a contact with COVID positive patient.
“It is not mandatory for every pregnant woman to undergo COVID test unless and until she is confirmed COVID-19 contact or under investigation/ suspect of COVID-19,” stated the fresh affidavit filed by AAP government.
Arvind Kejriwal led Delhi government has filed the affidavit to the division bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice Prateek Jalan in context to the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by an advocate Nikhil Singhvi seeking court directions to mandate the COVID-19 testing for all pregnant women.
In the affidavit submitted, the Delhi government cited that even the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) guidelines signify that if a pregnant woman meets the criteria for COVID-19 testing, but testing should not obstruct the obstetric management and delay it.
Three judge High Court observed that enough steps had been taken by the government of NCT to address the grievances of the petitioner and stated, “We see no reason to issue any further directions in the matter. Hence, the writ petition is disposed of.”
Delhi government’s affidavit also stated that for pregnant women in COVID-19, guidelines issued by ICMR, we are providing obstetric care for pregnant patients with confirmed novel coronavirus disease or a pregnant person under investigation (PUI), meaning who presents with symptoms.
“The government is trying its level best to make available and do COVID-19 testing across all sections of the population with possible and justified prioritization,” stated the affidavit.
On July 9, Delhi High Court had pulled up the national capital government for not submitting any clarifications on whether COVID-19 testing of pregnant women must be made mandatory or not.
