"Third Wave Might Be Standing At The Door If Vaccination Not Done With Speed": Gauhati High Court To Centre, State

Observing that the third covid wave might be standing at the door if speedy vaccination is not done, the Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench on Wednesday directed the Centre and the State Government to make available the required amount of doses in order to complete vaccination in three months.

A division bench comprising of Justice Songkhupchung Serto and Justice S. Hukato Swu also directed the State Government to take 'pragmatic steps' for giving priority in vaccination to the vulnerable section of the society including Shopkeepers and vegetable vendors.

"If the State has to fight the covid war effectively and prevent the 3rd wave coming and causing so much of suffering as the 2nd wave has done, we feel that the only way is ramping up vaccination and complete the same at the earliest. We have read and seen opinions expressed by experts in the media that the 3rd wave might be just standing at the door if vaccination is not done with speed and proper covid behaviors are not followed." The Court observed.

Furthermore, it directed thus:

"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. We say this keeping in view the number of people that needs to be vaccinated in the State."

The development came while the bench was dealing with a suo moto case registered by the Court in view of the recent surge in covid 19 situation in the State and also to monitor various aspects concerning the pandemic situation.

During the last course of hearing, the bench had on the last date of hearing told the State Government that regular testing and vaccination of shopkeepers including vegetable vendors should be taken up on priority basis.

During the course of hearing on Wednesday, the Court was apprised by the State health department that as on 28th June, a total of 4,35,664 of the States' population were vaccinated out of which 60,362 persons were given the 2nd dose. It was also submitted that as on the present day, there are 87,110 doses available in the State.

Hearing this, the Court opined thus:

"After hearing the learned counsels at length we are of the view that though vaccination is going on availability of the vaccine is far short of the number of people that needs to be vaccinated."

On the aspect of vaccination taken by health workers, the Court was informed that out of 25,000 plus only 15,000 plus had taken the vaccination out of which 10,000 plus took the 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. We are aware of the fact that nobody can be forced to take vaccine unless they volunteer. However, the authorities should make sure that these health workers, in case they do not volunteer to take the vaccine, produce their testing certificate as and when they report for duties. The District Task Force shall also ensure that private hospitals also follow the same directions." The Court ordered at the outset.

Furthermore, the bench was happy to note that steps were taken regarding vaccinating government servants by organizing camps at Secretariat and Directorate level, however, the Court expressed that similar steps were not taken for vaccinating judiciary and journalists.

"We are happy to note that such steps have been taken but we must remind the Government and authorities concerned that for judiciary no camp of that sort has been organized for facilitating vaccination of the judicial fraternity. Mr. Taka Masa learned Amicus Curiae also submitted that for the journalist community also no such camp has been organized. Because of the nature of their work, we are of the view that a special camp should also be organized for this community." The Court said.

In view of the aforesaid, the Court posted the matter for further hearing on July 14.

Title: IN-RE KOHIMA, NAGALAND VERSUS 1:THE STATE OF NAGALAND AND 5 ORS

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