Forcing COVID-19 patients to govt-run facility would be like 15-day detention: Arvind Kejriwal on Centre order

Kejriwal said a forced visit to the government-run-centre is not correct and is similar to "15-day detention."

"If the administration forcibly takes COVID patients for clinical assessment it will be like 15-day detention. I request the Centre to withdraw the new system that requires assessment of every COVID-19 patient at government-run facilities," Kejriwal told media.

He assured that his government is working with the Centre and other organisations to increase medical infrastructure in the city, including hospital beds and ventilators.

The Chief Minister made these remarks during a visit to a banquet hall-turned-COVID-19 care facility amid a spike in the number of cases and shortage of beds.

The Delhi government has also begun converting a spiritual facility in south Delhi that will hold 10,000 beds.

It also started a COVID-19 Care centre at the Shakurbasti Washing lines with a total capacity to cater to 800 patients in 50 coaches. Presently only asymptomatic or very mild symptomatic patients are being accommodated here.

Last week Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal ordered a mandatory five-day institutional quarantine for all patients.

The Delhi government had then stated this would need over 90,000 beds, which was practically impossible at this time.

The national capital is witnessing a change and revamp in the system of quarantining infected patients over the past week.

The order was later modified directing those patients with acceptable home quarantine facilities could stay at their residences.

However, the Centre still ordered those testing positive for the contagion must be taken to state-run facilities for further assessment.

Following this, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia made an appeal earlier in the day to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking help and stating it would be a burden on the already limited health infrastructure.