9 May 2021, Banke: On 9 May 2021, Advocacy Forum-Nepal, Banke together with other human rights lawyers submitted a memorandum to the District Administration Office (Banke), the District Crisis Management Committee, District COVID-19 Crisis Management Operation Centre requesting the implementation of the Court’s order. Earlier on 30 April 2021 Tulsipur High Court, Nepalgunj Bench issued a 14-point interim order instructing the District Administration Office, Banke including others to prioritize the protection of people’s right to life, along with the adoption of effective measures for the prevention, control of the ongoing health crisis in Banke resulted from the contagious variant of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Further, on 2 May 2021, the Court wrote to the District Administration Office, Banke to submit a written response clarifying the progress and efforts undertaken for the implementation of the order.
Despite the order, the authorities are far from ramping efforts to expand polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, even those infected from the virus have not been able to receive effective treatment. Moreover, black marketing of the essential COVID-19 medical supplies and equipment is on the rise across the district. Also, hospitals have been denying the admission of the patient due to a lack of medical supplies such as oxygen cylinders. The shortage and disruption in the essential medical supplies now have forced people to lose their life while awaiting treatment. In addition, the market price of regular commodities has skyrocketed in the absence of special attention and regular monitoring from the regulatory bodies.
Shivaram Gelal (Chief District Officer, Banke) also informed that the District Administration Office, Banke has been coordinating with the representatives at the local levels for the implementation of the Court’s order.
