Lekha G –
The Supreme Court sought a report from the Centre comparing domestic and international prices of Covid vaccines in India.
The Bench of Justices DY Chandrachud, LN Rao and S Ravindra directed the Centre to place copies of all relevant documents and file notings reflecting its thinking culminating in the vaccination policy.
It further asked the Central Government’s to submit the purchase history of all Covid-19 vaccines clarifying the date of orders placed by the Central Government, their quantities and the projected date of supply of such vaccines.
The Bench directed the State/UT Governments to file an affidavit within 2 weeks clarifying their position and place record on their individual vaccination policies.
The bencb noted that as Emergency Use Authorization had been granted by the Centre to manufactures reducing their risk, the same must have factored in pricing too. It also contended that it may not be accurate to state that private entities have all alone borne the risk and cost of the manufacture of vaccines.
The Court questioned whether ICMR/BBIL had received viable offers in case it had voluntarily invited licensing.
The clarifications were sought in response to the Central Government’s submissions in 9th May order 2021 and to facilitate a better understanding of the development of vaccines and their pricing for States/UTs and private hospitals.
The Top Court’s order came in a suo moto case on Covid-19 management. The matter is listed for further hearing on June 30.
