Covid vaccination: Adopt national immunisation model, SC tells centre
New Delhi, Apr 30: Hearing cases on issues related to the COVID-19 situation in the country, the Supreme Court today told the Centre it should adopt national immunisation model as poor people will not be able to pay for coronavirus vaccines. “What happens to the marginalised and SC/ST population? Should they be left to the mercy of private hospitals,” it asked.
The court also said the government must consider National Immunisation Programme for various vaccines and must think of providing free vaccination to all citizens.
The top court yet again questioned the government over the pricing of vaccines. “Why is the government not buying 100 per cent of doses produced in this time? Why should there be two prices for the centre and the states… what is the rationale,” it asked.
It also said no state should clampdown information if citizens communicate their grievances on social media. “We don’t want any clampdown of information. We will treat it as a contempt of court if such grievances is considered for action. Let a strong message go to all the states and DGP of states”, the Supreme Court said.
Coronavirus has infected over 3.86 lakh people in India in yet another worrying high and killed 3,498 the last 24 hours. The record numbers come even as a huge international aid operation has been launched with many countries promising help.
India has been recording over three lakh cases every day for over a week now. More than 2 lakh cases a day are being recorded since April 15. The shortage of hospital beds, medical oxygen and crucial anti-viral drugs has added to crisis.
