The government today filed an appeal with the Supreme Court seeking stay on the High Court order asking authorities concerned to ensure that no government or private hospital in the country refuses treatment to any patient -- infected with Covid-19 or not.

Additional Attorney General Murad Reza told The Daily Star that Appellate Division of the SC will hear the appeal petition later in the day.

In response to five separate writ petitions, the HC bench of Justice M Enayetur Rahim yesterday observed that no patient, regardless of whether they are infected with coronavirus or not, can be deprived of treatment at any government or private hospital.

It directed the authorities concerned of the government to take appropriate legal actions against those who displayed negligence when providing treatment in hospitals.

The court also asked the government to strictly enforce the directives issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) on May 11 and 24 for ensuring treatment of patients at all hospitals.