Delhi High Court seeks Centre's stand on SOPs for sample collection, transport of lab test
The Delhi High Court has directed the Centre to submit a status report on its progress in finalising standard operating procedures (SOPs) for sample collection and transport, and storage for all laboratory tests, noting with concern that the 'next Covid Pandemic is far from over' and appears to be active in the community.
The court was dealing with a contempt petition filed by Dr. Rohit Jain, who said that that despite directions of the High Court in January 2023, no guidelines have come to be formulated by the Centre with respect to establishment of minimum standards for sample collection.
Pursuant to the order, a decision was taken to constitute four sub-committees of experts of pathology, biochemistry, haematology and microbiology.
The members of the committee were from Central Government Hospitals and were tasked with formulating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for sample collection, sample collection centres, and the transport of samples, including guidelines on storage standards.
Justice Anish Dayal noted that that while a meeting had been held on May 30, 2023, to deliberate on these issues, there is no update on outcome of that meeting or any resulting decisions.
'Considering that the next Covid Pandemic is far from over and in fact, active, amongst the community, today, as per news reports, the vacuum, if any, of steps taken post the meeting of 30th May 2023, is a serious issue,' the court said in it May 28, 2025 order.
'This assumes certain urgency, considering that there are wide reports of COVID-19, being active in the community, as on date; it would, therefore, be expected from the respondent to crystallize an urgent set of measures, in order that these SOPs are in place and whatever decision was taken in the meeting, has reached its proper conclusion,' the court said.
The Court has asked Ms. Monika Arora, Central Government Standing Counsel, to personally ensure that relevant officers are apprised of the directions and that a comprehensive status report is filed within six weeks. It posted the case for further hearing on July 18.
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