HC directs DMRC, Delhi govt to explore installing cardiac support facility at 3 interchange metro stations

The high court, in 2018, initiated a PIL for the requirement of basic life support systems at public places.

In a rather important move, Delhi High Court has directed the city government and the DMRC to check out the possibility of installation of advanced cardiac life support facilities at the three major interchange stations – Kashmere Gate, Rajiv Chowk and Hauz Khas – of the Delhi metro.

It all started with the high court initiating a PIL on its own in 2018 in order to have a requirement of basic life support systems at various public places. During the recent hearing, the counsel for the Delhi government revealed that it is in the process of talking with the district authorities of Tis Hazari courts and Rouse Avenue with an aim to install the advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) service. Also, three ACLS ambulances at the three major interchange metro stations would be provided.

The counsel for the DMRC added that space is already available at these three interchange stations for installation of ACLS facilities.

In its May 8 order, the bench had said, “In view of the statement, counsel for the DMRC and the Delhi government are directed to explore the possibility of installation of ACLS facility at the three major interchange metro stations forthwith. Let a fresh status report be filed before the next date of hearing.” The court listed the matter for further hearing on August 1.

Earlier, it had asked the city government to ensure the installation of ACLS service on the high court premises before December 2022, apart from checking the stationing ACLS ambulances at district courts.

In 2018, the high court questioned authorities, including the Centre, Delhi government, Railways, DMRC and the courts, about the steps that can be taken to establish centres providing basic cardiac life support (BCLS) and ACLS.

Last year, BCLS as well as ACLS facilities were made available at the high court and the district courts, however, ACLS facilities are still not present at Patiala House, Karkardooma, Dwarka and Rouse Avenue courts. It is so because the Patiala House and Rohini courts do not have the physical infrastructure for it while Tis Hazari court has one ACLS ambulance stationed. Rohini court too has one Centralised Accident and Trauma ambulance to provide 24-hour service.