On 6^th July 2021, Orissa High Court in the case of Sanjiv Joshi v. State of Odisha, asked the State Government to submit their response on the availability of the Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) testing facilities in the rural areas and towns of Orissa. The State is directed to submit a report on the measures that are being taken on the next date of hearing, i.e. 20^th July 2021.

The RT-PCR testing methodology is one of the most relied tests for detection of COVID 19, since the pandemic began in India. The petitioner highlighted the hardships faced by the rural people in getting themselves tested and treated in case they get COVID positive. The petitioner stated that due to suspension of public transport there is unreasonable delay in tests and also there are no isolation centres in the rural area with no ambulance service to take the needy ones to the authorities for testing and timely check-up.

The court thus issued directions to The Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Odisha to file an affidavit report which would address the concerns that has been raised in the petition before the honourable court on next hearing, i.e. 20^th July 2021.

– Animesh Raizada, Intern