A beneficiary gets the vaccine shot during the COVID-19 vaccination drive organized by the Imkonglenden Colony Council (ICC), Dimapur on June 28. (Photo Courtesy: ICC)
Kohima, July 1 (MExN): The Kohima Bench of the Gauhati High Court on June 30 directed the government of Nagaland to ramp up vaccination process and complete it at least within 3 months.
While hearing a Suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL), the Court observed that though vaccination is going on in the State, availability of the vaccine is far short of the number of people that needs to be vaccinated.
The State Health Department had informed the Court that as on June 28, 2021, out of 13,54,722 eligible beneficiaries, only 4,35,664 have been vaccinated and 60,362 persons given the 2nd dose. 87,110 doses are reportedly available in the State as of June 30.
Expressing concern at the pace, the Bench comprising of Justice Songkhupchung Serto and Justice S Hukato Swu noted expert opinions regarding the 3rd wave if vaccination is not done with speed and proper COVID behaviors are not followed. “Therefore, we direct the State Government and the Central Government to do all possible at their command to make the required number of doses of vaccination available in time so that vaccination can be carried out with speed and completed at least within 3 months,” the Bench observed.
It directed the counsel for the Health Department and the State government to come with instructions as to the possibility of making the required number of doses of vaccine available within the time frame mentioned on the next date for hearing on July 14.
Concerns on vaccination status
During the hearing, the Court also expressed concerns on the vaccination status of healthcare workers in the State. As per the data submitted by the State health department, out of more than 25,000 only 15,000 plus has taken the vaccination and out of that 10,000 plus has taken their 2nd dose. “This figure has raised some concern because they are the people who are delivering the health service to the people. In case they are infected they will be the ones who will be spreading the virus to others,” the Court observed.
While acknowledging that nobody can be forced to take vaccine unless they volunteer, the Court stated that the authorities should make sure that the health workers produce their testing certificate as and when they report for duties, in case they do not volunteer to take the vaccine. The District Task Force shall also ensure that private hospitals also follow the same directions, it added.
Meanwhile, on the status of vaccination of shopkeepers and vendors, the Court also expressed dissatisfaction on the action taken despite its last order passed on June 16, 2021 which had highlighted concern on their vaccination since they are vulnerable sections of the community who are also potential spreaders of the virus due to the nature of their profession. Reiterating its concern, the Court directed the State government to take some pragmatic steps so that priority is given to these groups of people at the earliest.
Expressing concerns on the status of vaccination of the government employees, the Court directed the government to come up with some pragmatic plan so that office works are not affected for a long time.
The Court also stated its firm view that quarantine centres should be opened in the remaining districts of Mokokchung, Zunheboto and Tuensang. Regarding the posting data of medical personnel as asked by the Court earlier, the Court granted time until the next date of hearing.
Meanwhile, the Court reminded government and authorities concerned that, no vaccination camp has been organized for the judicial fraternity. For the journalist community also, no such camp has been organized, the Court observed.
“Because of the nature of their work, we are of the view that a special camp should also be organized for this community,” it added.
The next hearing on the matter has been listed on July 14 during which the respondents have been directed to file an affidavit on the issues mentioned and on compliance of the directions given.
