15.
Mr. Aggarwal contended that the Central Government needed to bring
"Public Health" in Concurrent list of Constitution and make "Right to Public
Health" a Fundamental Right as well as enact a Central Legislation on Right
to Public Health.
16.
Mr. Aggarwal pointed out that the Cuban Constitution adopted in
1976, obligated the State to assure that there shall be "no sick person who
does not receive medical attention." The Cuban Constitution also articulated
specific obligation of the State to provide a full range of universally
accessible health services free of charge, as well as to guarantee the
promotion and protection of health of individuals.
17.
Mr. Aggarwal stated that the Central Government should forthwith
frame a National Policy on Right to Public Health and till such Policy was
framed, the petitioner and the like patients should be provided free treatment
at State expense.
ARGUMENTS ON BEHALF OF DELHI GOVERNMENT
18.
Ms. Zubeda Begum, learned counsel for Govt. of NCT of Delhi stated
that in comparison to other States of the country, the Govt. of NCT of Delhi
had allocated ten per cent of its budget towards health which was highest in
the country. She further stated that despite Delhi having only one per cent
of the population of the country, it was spending four times on health,
calculated on a pro rata basis, compared to other states.
19.
Ms. Zubeda Begum pointed out that Delhi had a comprehensive drug
policy. She stated that in 2013 Essential Medicine List had been revised for
the eighth time by an expert Committee comprising eminent Doctors.
W.P.(C) 7279/2013
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