Delhi High Court Asks Centre's Counsel To Seek Instructions On Plea Against Alleged Exorbitant Pricing Of Covid-19 Vaccine

The Delhi High Court has asked the Central Government counsel to seek instructions on a PIL seeking reduction in the price of COVID-19 vaccines in India. The matter is slated to be heard on September 10.

"Good health can be secured on the basis of reasonable price of vaccines," Advocate AK Dubey appearing for Petitioner Rakesh argued before the Court.

He stated that whereas the Indian Government has been aiding foreign countries by providing free vaccines, it is charging its own citizens for the same. He highlighted that initially, vaccine prices were restricted to Rs. 250 per dose however, the same has increased 3-4 times now, making it difficult for people from lower income groups to access vaccines.

GNCTD Standing counsel SK Tripathi informed the Bench at this juncture that the petition has become infructuous as vaccines are now being distributed free of cost.

On June 7, the Central Government announced its decision to give free vaccines for the age group of 18-44 years starting June 21. "75% of vaccination will be free and under the Centre, 25% will be paid and by private hospitals," the Centre had said. It had clarified that Private hospitals can only charge a maximum of Rs. 150 as service fee.

However, the Petitioner claimed that Private hospitals are charging exorbitant prices for vaccine administration. For instance, he stated, Apollo Hospitals are charging Rs. 1400 per dose of COVAXIN, he stated.

A Division Bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice Jyoti Singh hearing the matter, expressed inclination to dismiss the PIL. It opined that a separate writ should be filed against the concerned hospitals, ventilating the grievances thereof.

However, as the Central Government counsel Anurag Ahluwalia sought time to seek instructions, the matter is adjourned to September 10.

Case Title: Rakesh v. UoI & Anr.