Lekha G
The Karnataka High Court by a Bench comprising Chief Justice AS Oka and Justice Aravind Kumar questioned the State and Central Government over the shortage of vaccines in the State.
The Court asked, “Only 9 lakh doses available. 16 lakh people need second dose immediately. Forget about 18-44 age group. They can’t even give second dose. For people above 45years, how will State give second dose”.
The State Government further informed the Court that it placed an intend for two crore Covishield vaccines and one crore Covaxin last week.
Recently Karnataka government rushed to the Supreme Court after an order passed by the Karnataka High Court directed the Centre to increase the liquid medical oxygen supply (LMO) in the State from 962MT per day to 1200MT per day.
Owing to the shortage of vaccines, the State Government put forward before the Court that it would be stopping the first dose and only be giving the second dose at present.
The High Court further directed the State Government to formulate a scheme to assist citizens especially those belonging to the vulnerable sections to get themselves registered for the vaccination drive and also take up measures to prevent spread of Covid-19 in slums as large percentage of people reside in such areas.
The Bench further questioned the State about the implications of only the first dose of vaccine being administered.
“Covaxin second dose has to be taken within 4 weeks”, the Bench remarked.
