New Delhi: Terming the Centre’s paid vaccination policy for the 18-44 age group as “arbitrary and irrational”, the Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Centre to submit a comparison of the prices of vaccines available in India to their international prices.
The apex court said its order, “Unlike the prior policy, the Liberalized Vaccination policy does not prioritise persons with co-morbidities and other diseases, persons with disabilities, or any other vulnerable groups.”
“This is especially at issue because the experience of the second wave of the pandemic has provided experiential learning that the Covid-19 virus is capable of mutation and now poses a threat to persons in this age group (18-44) as well,” the Supreme Court said.
The court asked why the same could not be utilised for vaccinating persons in the 18-44 age group.
The Supreme Court has also sought a response from the central government asking it to clarify how Rs 35,000 crore earmarked for Covid-19 vaccine procurement in the Union Budget was being spent.
Additionally, the apex court has asked all states and union territories to clarify their stand on providing free vaccination within two weeks.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on June 30.