Deepali Kalia –
Supreme Court has directed the Central government to show complete data on its purchase history of all Covid-19 vaccines (Covaxin, Covishield and Sputnik V) till date.
The order was passed by a bench comprising of Justcies DY Chandrachud, L Nageswara Rao and S Ravindra Bhat on May 31 but was published on the Supreme Court’s website on 2nd June.
It was passed in the suo moto case initiated by the top court in order to deal with the issues arising out of Covid-19 management in the country.
The order requires the data should show (a) the dates of all procurement orders placed by the Central Government for all 3 vaccines; (b) the quantity of vaccines ordered as on each date; and (c) the projected date of supply.
Directions were given to Central government to give data on the percentage of population that has been vaccinated (with one dose and both doses), as against eligible persons in the first three phases of the vaccination drive and data relating to the percentage of rural population as well as the percentage of urban population that has been vaccinated.
The Court further called for an outline as to how and when the Central Government seeks to vaccinate the remaining population in phases 1, 2 and 3 and the steps being taken by it to ensure the drug availability for Mucormycosis.
Consequently, the Central government has been directed to address the issues raised through an affidavit which must be filed within two weeks.
In addition to that, all States and Union Territories were enjoined to file affidavits stating whether they are providing Covid-19 vaccines for free at State vaccination centers.
