Madras HC directs govt committee to consider representation for use of Indian traditional medicine to treat COVID-19 [Read Order] – Bar & Bench -…

The petitioners had urged for the use of alternative medicines by way of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Homeopathy and Naturopathy to treat the Coronavirus, apart from the allopathy methods.

The Madras High Court on Monday directed the state government to consider representations made to test Siddha (Indian traditional herbal medicine treatment) for the curing the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Two members of the Ayush Medical Welfare Association, K Muthu Kumar Nayakar and Dr KM Senthamizh Selvan, had made representations to this effect. The had moved a writ petition in the High Court urging that their representations be considered by the state government in a time-bound manner.

The petitioners had urged that the government allow the use of alternative medicines by way of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Homeopathy and Naturopathy to treat COVID-19, apart from the allopathy methods commonly used.

During the hearing conducted through video conferencing, Additional Advocate General Arvindh Pandian told the Court that the state government has already constituted a Technical Committee comprising various experts who would consider such representations.

The Bench of Justices Dr. Vineet Kothari and R Suresh Kumar therefore issued notice returnable by four weeks, and directed that the petitioners representations be considered by the governments Technical Committee in the meanwhile.

Further, the Bench has also directed the state government to look into provision of hand sanitisers, soaps and masks which can be supplied at large for the public to guard against the spread of COVID-19. The Court added,

We hope and expect that the said Committee and the State Government shall take appropriate decision in this matter as quickly as possible, so that the public at large can avail the benefit of the same, immediately."

Madras High Court

The matter has been posted to be taken up after four weeks, when the Courts are expected to resume regular working after the lockdown period.

Madras HC - Use of alternative medicine for COVID-19 - March 30 Order .pdf

More here:

Madras HC directs govt committee to consider representation for use of Indian traditional medicine to treat COVID-19 [Read Order] - Bar & Bench -...