What steps have been taken by government for international approval of Covaxin? Kerala High Court seeks Central govt response

The Kerala High Court on Thursday sought the Central Government's response regarding the steps taken by it to get approval by World Health Organisation (WHO) for indigenously developed COVID-19 vaccine, Covaxin so that it can be used internationally (Rahim Pattarkadavan Vs. Union of India). .A Division Bench of Chief Justice S Manikumar and Justice Shaji P Chaly passed the order on a petition emphasising the difficulties faced by Non-resident Indians (NRIs) and those wishing to travel abroad due to the lack of certain pertinent information in the vaccination certificates and the fact that Covaxin is not recognised by most foreign countries."As regards the prayer for a direction to the Central Government to ensure that Covaxin is recognised internationally and accepted by as many countries as possible, including the World Health Organisation in their emergency vaccine list, Mr. Jagadeesh Laxmanan, learned counsel appearing for the Central Government, (is) to get appropriate instructions, as to what steps have been taken by the Central Government to ensure that Covaxin is recognized internationally," the Court directed. .The Court also asked the Centre to file its response on the steps it has taken to include the complete name of vaccines and passport numbers in vaccination certificates..During a previous hearing of the petition in early June, another Division Bench of the High Court had directed the Union government to consider including in vaccination certificates, the full name of the Covishield vaccine and the passport numbers of those wishing to travel abroad. .Consider adding complete name of COVID-19 vaccine, Passport number in Vaccination Certificates: Kerala High Court to Centre.The Court had given the Centre three weeks' time to file its response and stated, "we are of the view that the request as above requires meritorious consideration by the Central Government. Such inputs in the certificate issued in India may be necessary for authorities in foreign countries to rely up(sic) on credibility of such certificate(s)".The petitioner had also prayed for the Court to direction to the Centre to prioritise administration of the second dose of the vaccine to expatriates who are compelled to travel abroad in connection to their employment..During the hearing on Thursday, advocate Haris Beeran, representing the petitioner informed the Court that the State government has already taken care of this particular prayer.Beeran, however, reiterated the concern of NRIs regarding the non inclusion of Covaxin in the Emergency Use List by the WHO. He asserted that since citizens are not at liberty to choose which vaccine they receive, it is crucial that the government expedite talks with the WHO as persons who have already been administered Covaxin are barred from travelling to most other countries..The Court therefore, directed the Central Government to file a response with details of the steps it has already taken to ensure Covaxin is recognised internationally and for the incorporation of the details in Covid vaccination certificate..The case will be heard after July 6, 2021.[Read Order]