What Steps Taken To Ensure 'Covaxin' Is Recognized Internationally? Kerala High Court Asks Centre

The petitioner Rahim Pattarkadavan, an Indian citizen employed in Saudi Arabia, filed the PIL espousing the cause of expatriates in general and the expats of Saudi Arabia in particular. The petition was filed in light of the technical anomalies faced by Non Resident Indians to travel to Saudi Arabia due to their strict travel guidelines.

A representation to this effect was filed before the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, but it was not considered. This urged the petitioner to approach the High Court. Adv.

The following four reliefs were sought in the PIL:

• Complete name of the COVISHIELD vaccine be provided in the Vaccination Certificate
• Passport Number be displayed on the Vaccination Certificate
• Provide second dose of vaccine to expatriates on priority basis
• Ensure that Covaxin gets Universal recognition

When the matter was heard earlier this month, the Court had observed that the questions raised the petition required 'meritorious consideration by the Centre' and thereby directed Union of India to consider incorporation of such details in the Covid vaccination certificate within three weeks.

When the matter came up today, Adv. Haris Beeran representing the petitioner submitted that the State government had already acted upon the providing second dose to expatriates on priority basis.

Regarding the other matters, the Division Bench asked counsel for Central Government Adv. Jagadeesh Laxmanan to inform the court as to what steps the Centre has taken to ensure universal recognition of Covaxin. Additionally, the Court enquired as to the status of incorporation of the aforementioned details into the Vaccination Certificate as ordered on 2^nd June.

The response of the Central government was directed to be produced for the next hearing, posted on 6^th July 2021.

Substance of the PIL

• Incorporation of complete name of the COVISHIELD in the Vaccination Certificate

The petitioner urged that the complete name of the COVISHIELD vaccine, i.e, "Oxford–AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine" be produced in the Vaccination Certificate.

This was prayed for since Saudi travel guidelines mandated persons travelling to Saudi Arabia to show proof of vaccination with any of their recognized vaccines, one of which was 2 doses of Oxford AstraZeneca.

Vaccination certificates issued in India did not provide the complete name of Covishield; they only mention the trade name i.e. COVISHIELD. Consequently, certificates issued in India were not accepted for entering Saudi Arabia, thus causing distress to several NRIs trying to travel back for employment.

• Passport Number be displayed on the Vaccination Certificate

It was pointed out in the petition that expats were rejected entry to many countries for the reason that their Vaccination certificate did not contain Passport Numbers. The PIL also urged that NRIs who previously used their Aadhar numbers for vaccination be given a fresh opportunity to add their passport numbers.

This comes after a large number of NRI population who were in India when the COVID related travel ban was in force could not leave the country owing to the updated guidelines to include passport details on vaccination certificates.

For the purpose of international identification, it was urged that a more acceptable identification of Passport Number should be included on the certificates.

• Universal recognition for Covaxin

The PIL expressed concern over the delayed action of the Central Government to make Covaxin universally recognized. Otherwise, Indians who received covaxin jabs may not qualify for travelling abroad.

Absence of endorsement from WHO and other multilateral bodies posed difficulties for expats. Hence, the petitioner urged that the Centre should try to include it in the Emergency List of World Health Organisation and European Union's European Medicine Agency.

It was also mentioned in the petition that as per the guidelines, a non-immune person will have to undergo institutional quarantine by bearing the cost of quarantine. If the travelers are immunized with two doses of the approved Vaccine , several conditions including the condition of institutional Quarantine will be relaxed and the huge expenses he will have to incur can be saved.

Title: Rahim Pattarkadavan & Anr v. Union of India & Ors