Under-privileged may not be able to afford COVID-19 Vaccine at Rs. 400-600: Madras High Court to Central govt

The Madras High Court on Thursday made a fervent appeal to the Central government to give due consideration to the concern that people with limited resources or those who are less privileged may not be able to afford the COVID-19 vaccine, priced between Rs 400-600. .The concern was raised during the hearing of the suo motu case registered by the Court today to check on the State's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. .Covid -19: "If Tamil Nadu has sufficient Oxygen supply, we must share with other States; We are one country:" Madras High Court [Live Updates].Appearing for the Central government today, Additional Solicitor General R Sankaranarayanan assured that the concern would be communicated to the Central government. .The hearing saw the Court observe that people in the age group of 18-45 years, who are due to be eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations from May 1 onwards, are left in a lurch with the new prices announced for the vaccine. The order passed by the Bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy notes that, ."In particular, the cost of the vaccine at Rs 400 per shot from government counters and at Rs 600 per shot from private counters may be beyond the reach of a large section of the population, particularly considering the family structure in this country.".As such, the Centre has been asked to consider how "the less privileged and people rendered without basic resources and adequate jobs in the wake of the lockdown of last year may be able to afford vaccine at such high cost." .The Bench has further expressed hope that by the next hearing, the Centre will take appropriate steps to take care of the lowest denominations. .Other highlights of the hearing.1. Tamil Nadu has enough resources to tackle COVID-19 second wave The Madras High Court took on record Advocate General Vijay Narayan's assurance that the State, at present, has sufficient supply of Remdesivir, Oxygen and ventilators to tackle the second COVID-19 wave. The Court also took on record the submission that Tamil Nadu may never see a shortage of oxygen supply even if an unforeseen peak in COVID cases happens.The diversion of oxygen supply to other States such as Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, therefore, did no ensue in any burden on the state or short supply of oxygen, it was submitted. In response, Chief Justice Banerjee orally observed that if Tamil Nadu has surplus resources, "we should also be helping other states that do not have an adequate supply (oxygen). We are one country. If we have the resources here, we must share it." The Court has also taken on record, "Indeed the State has represented as an Oxygen surplus state, it would make every endeavour to come to the aid of other States which would require aid."Further, the Bench took on record the AG's submission that most COVID active cases (84,361 today) do not require invasive or aggressive treatment or procedure and that there are sufficient beds available in government hospitals and many more in private hospitals for the exigencies to be met.The AG assured that there is no need for the public to panic at all. .2. Put special measures to ensure vote-counting does not trigger fresh spurt of COVID-19The Court observed that since the votes of the recent Assembly elections are due to be counted on May 2, special measures should be put in place by the State, in consultation with the Election Commission "so that it does not act as a catalyst for the further spread of the virus.".3. On Ramzan celebrationsThe Court noted that the month of Ramzan is ongoing. As such "degree of sensibility would also be required to ensure that the religious observance remains unimpeded without any risk to health," the Court said. .4. Centre says it has communicated Oxygen Plan to StatesThe Court was informed by the ASG that the secretary to the Department of Health has issued a letter on April 15 to all Chief Secretaries of State indicating an Oxygen plan and details of contact persons that States may get in touch with in case of emergency. The Court also took on record the Centre's submission that further measures are in the offing, both to deal with those affected by the virus and to arrest further spread..5. Court does not seek to interfere in Executive domainThe Court clarified that it is not seeking to interfere in what ought to be regarded as an exclusive executive domain. However, given the rate of COVID-19 infections in India, media reports on bed shortage and other facilities for COVID treatment "a measure of a bookkeeping exercise had to be undertaken without interfering with policy decision," the Court said.The Court has also suggested that the State ensure that secretary or under-secretary level officers be put in charge to take prompt decisions without further consultations in case any exigencies arise on the ground. In its order, the Court has expressed hope that "empowered groups of bureaucrats would be put in place to take immediate decisions in case of exigencies.".6. Next hearing on Monday, April 26When the matter is taken up next on Monday, the State is expected to provide information on the availability of beds, the vials of vaccine available by end of the month, and the rate of vaccination. The Court also noted that Supreme Court today has taken suo motu cognisance of various COVID-19-related issues. Therefore, while adjourning the matter, the Court recorded as follows:"The matter will next appear on Monday, April 26, 2021, if it survives at all since it is the submission of the learned Advocate General that a view has been expressed by the Supreme Court that all matters pertaining to COVID may be consolidated and heard by the Supreme Court.".7. Need to ensure that public does not panicThe hearing also saw the Chief Justice orally observe that at the very least, the public should be assured that there is no need to panic. In this regard, he also acknowledged that the Court is bound to be quoted extensively by the media. The Court's observations and the State's assurances, may, quell any cause of public panic, it was noted. "We have no doubt we would be quoted extensively... at least people in the state would be assured. The psychological impact is as good as the physical impact", the Chief Justice remarked.After the order was dictated, the Chief Justice was also prompted to remark, "There must be no alarm, no panic, yet we must be vigilant. There are many rumors ...That needs to be quelled. Because rumors have a terrible impact. In times of crisis, the rumors tend to fuel you than hard facts.".[Read Order]