Not an expert on the treatment of COVID patients; doctors are best judge: Supreme Court

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday declined to entertain a plea, challenging the treatment of COVID-19 patients with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and antibiotic azithromycin (AZM), saying that the apex court “is not an expert on the issue”.

A bench headed by Justice N.V. Ramana and comprising Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and B.R. Gavai, taking up the matter through video conferencing, asked the petitioner an NGO, People for Better Treatment (PBT), to make a representation before the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for its consideration.

Ohio-based Indian-origin doctor and PBT President Kunal Saha contended before the bench that he has not challenged the line of treatment for COVID-19, instead the use of HCQ and AZM combination has side effects, and these proving fatal on the people.

The bench noted that there is no medicine for the viral infection and doctors are trying different ways, and if a treatment is being followed or not, it has to be decided by the doctor. “If particular type of treatment has to be given, it is for doctors’ to decide”, said the bench.

When, Saha contended warning has been issued regarding the side effects by an American heart institute, which should be taken into consideration, Justice Ramana said, “Can a court say use this type of treatment? Are we experts?”

The bench asked Saha to take this petition as a representation before ICMR, which can examine the suggestions made.

Saha insisted that the argument is not about whether a particular line of treatment is correct or not, instead it is about taking precautions, as people are dying due to side effects. (IANS)

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