COVID patients refusing treatment liable for punishment under law: Srikakulam judge

Srikakulam: COVID patients, who turn down the medical help fearing stigma, are liable for punishment as per the law, said the chairman of District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) G Ramakrishna.

Reacting to a growing number of deaths, the district judge said people testing positive for COVID should immediately get admitted to the hospital for treatment.

The judge said the administration has created enough facilities in the government sector and the patients need not approach private and corporate hospitals.

G Ramakrishna cautioned corporate hospitals that action would be initiated against them if the patients complain of excess billing.

He appealed people to inform DLSA about the erring hospitals so that action could be taken against them.

The judge also appealed to the medical service personnel to pay special attention to the elderly persons who have a weak immune system and the children who cannot fight oxygen deficiency.

“If the oxygen intake levels fall below 94 percent, the patients should be rushed to the nearest hospital,” he said.

Suggesting the importance of prevention, the judge appealed to people to maintain social distance and wear masks to avoid infection.