[COVID Vaccination] What the Supreme Court said and how the Prime Minister responded

The Supreme Court had on May 31 pronounced a strongly-worded judgement pointing out the flaws and lacunae in the COVID vaccination policy adopted by the Central government.

. This among other necessities have compelled the Central government to make changes to the policy.

As per the existing vaccination policy, 25 percent quota of vaccines was given directly to the States from May 1 while private players could purchase another 25 percent.

The remaining 50 percent was going to the Central government.

. The Central government has now decided to take the responsibility of States as well and will directly procure 75 percent of vaccines and give it free of cost.

The remaining 25 percent will go to the private sector.

Further, those between 18-44 will get free vaccines. Earlier, this was left to the discretion of States though many States were offering free vaccines.

The changes were announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an address to the nation at 5 pm today.

. So what did the Supreme Court say on the Centre's vaccination policy and what are the consequential changes introduced by the Central government?

. Supreme Court: Paid vaccination by the State/UT Governments and private hospitals for the persons between 18-44 years is, prima facie, arbitrary and irrational.

Prime Minister: June 21 on Yoga Day onwards, Union Government will give free vaccines to 18 years + (which was earlier the responsibility of the State Government).

. Supreme Court: Many State/UT Governments and local municipal bodies have issued tenders and attempted to negotiate with foreign manufacturers but they have largely been unsuccessful, as foreign manufacturers are not inclined to negotiate with individual State/UT Governments and prefer negotiating with federal governments of countries.

Prime Minister: We have decided Union Government will take over the 25% of the work State Government executed regarding Vaccines

. Supreme Court: Procurement and distribution- Given that inter-State barriers in India are porous and persons are free to migrate and work in different parts of the country, it is essential to understand if the pro rata allotment will take into account such migration to more densely populated industrial and urban States/UTs.

Prime Minister: Central government has decided to take over the State’s responsibility of 25 percent.

. Supreme Court: Pricing by private hospitals - Consequences of the vaccination by private hospitals under the Liberalized Vaccination Policy relate to a simple issue at the core of their existence - that while they provide a public health service, they still remain private, for-profit entities. Consequently, they may sell the vaccine doses procured at a higher price, unless regulated stringently.

Prime Minister: Private hospitals can levy a maximum service charge of Rs. 150.

. Unaddressed Issues

. Digital Divide: One of the major issues raised by the Supreme Court was regarding how digital divide could hamper efforts to achieve universal vaccination.

. The present COVID vaccination policy in place, even with changes relies exclusively on a digital portal (CoWin portal) for vaccinating a significant population of this country between the ages of 18-44 years.

. The lack of access to internet, especially in rural areas, could hamper penetration to rural areas, the Court had observed. This issue is yet to be addressed.

.[BREAKING] Supreme Court seeks complete data on Central Govt’s purchase history of all COVID-19 vaccines; asks when vaccination can be completed. When will vaccination be completed? This was another crucial question raised by the Supreme Court. While the Prime Minister did speak about how vaccine production has sped up, there is a lack of clarity on when the entire population can be fully vaccinated.

. [Read Thread on PM's Speech]

[COVID Vaccination] What the Supreme Court said and how the Prime Minister responded

Murali Krishnan

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