On Wednesday, May 19, the Bombay High Court (HC) asked the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) whether it can conduct the door to door COVID-19 vaccination for elderly and disabled citizens. This drive will target those who cannot visit the centres.
A Division Bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice G. S. Kulkarni said, if the civic body is willing to start a door-to-door vaccination drive, they were ready to permit, even though the Union government has not given nod, to carry out such a drive.
The bench was hearing a PIL by two advocates Dhruti Kapadia and Kunal Tiwari, seeking directions to the Central government to initiate a door-to-door vaccination drive for senior citizens above 75, persons with physical disabilities and those who are bed-ridden.
The bench noted that it seems the Union government was not keen on starting a door-to-door vaccination programme.
The court also directed BMC Chief Iqbal Singh Chahal to file an affidavit today, May 20, stating if it would be possible for the civic body to introduce a home-based vaccination drive with proper medical care for senior citizens, disabled persons and those who are bed-ridden or wheelchair-bound.
Meanwhile, the Court was informed by the government lawyers that one of the requirements at a vaccination camp is to place the vaccinated persons under 30-minute observation to check for 'Adverse Events Following Immunization' (AEFI).
The Bench, however, retorted by asking how many such cases have been reported where an emergency arose after taking a vaccine shot.
The court said it will hear the matter further on Thursday, noting each day is precious in such times, referring to the raging COVID-19 pandemic.
The HC had earlier asked the Union government to take a relook at its policy that said doorstep vaccination was not possible due to various reasons like wastage of vaccines and non-availability of observation centres for beneficiaries after they are inoculated (for any immediate side effect).
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