The Supreme Court has asked the central government to produce “complete” data on its purchase history of three Covid-19 vaccines, which are being used in the nationwide inoculation drive, as it continued its suo-moto hearing on the Covid-19 crisis management in the country.
Apart from asking the Centre to place the entire data on the purchase history of all Covid vaccines on record, the apex court ordered that the data should clarify the dates of all procurement orders placed by the Centre for all three vaccines, the quantity of vaccines ordered as on each date, and the projected date of supply.
Centre’s policy of giving free vaccination to the 45-plus age group and a having paid system for those below, is “prima facie arbitrary and irrational”, the Supreme Court said in its detailed order.
“Policy of Centre for conducting free vaccination for groups under first two phases and replacing it with paid vaccination by states/UTs and private hospitals for persons in 18-44 years age group, is prima facie arbitrary, irrational,” said a bench of Justices D Y Chandrachud, LN Rao and S R Bhat.
The Court noted in the order that the the experience of the second wave of the pandemic has provided an experiential learning that the COVID-19 virus is capable of mutation and now poses a threat to persons in this age group as well.
Asking the Centre to “smell the coffee” and ensure that COVID-19 vaccines are available at the same price across the nation, the top court had advised the government to be flexible with its policies to deal with the dynamic pandemic situation. The top court’s order came in suo motu case on COVID-19 management.
Urban and rural population that has been vaccinated:
The bench also sought data on the percentage of urban and rural population that has been vaccinated – with either one or both doses – against the eligible population. An outline for how and when the remaining population will be vaccinated is also to be provided.
Additionally, the apex court has asked all states and union territories to clarify their stand on providing free vaccination within two weeks.
It also asked the Centre to provide an outline for how and when the Centre seeks to vaccinate the remaining population.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on June 30.