Youth Bar Association Of India Moves Supreme Court Seeking Door-To-Door Vaccination Of Vulnerable Sections Of Society

The petition on behalf of YBAI has been filed by Advocate Manju Jetley and avers that door-to-door vaccination for COVID-19 is the need of the hour, especially for vulnerable groups. Additionally, it would minimize the risk of getting infected whilst reaching the vaccination centre.

"The COVID-19 vaccination shall muster on the principle of 'We are as strong as our weakest link' and deprivation to vaccine to even single person, for any reason whatsoever, would be detrimental in the larger public interest".

Submitting that India is a "welfare state", the plea states that India should accept its liability toward securing public welfare and serve the interest of all its citizens. It is then submitted that the Universal Immunisation Plan and National Vaccination strategy issued by the Central Government had raised a legitimate expectation that the vaccine would be procured by the Centre and distributed down the chain to the public, free of cost and universally, in a gradually-phased manner.

"The COVID-19 vaccine is a life-saving drug and the same shall be included in the National list of Essential Medicines. The PAN India shall be directed to create a 24/7 toll free portal booth where the economically backward class, individuals who are suppressed by society, i.e. the transgender and sex workers, underprivilege sections of the society, differently abled people, who are unable to approach the vaccine centre due to reason of their age or medical disability may registered themselves for vaccination and awareness shall be created among the people through advertisements, pictorial hoardings and resolving queries through the toll free number etc (sic)".

Further suggesting that vaccine booths, mobile vans and vehicles can also be allotted for the vaccination of the vulnerable sections of society, including those who live in remote areas, and praying that efforts are made to ensure lack of identity does not cause hindrance in the process of immunization, the plea seeks indulgence of the Supreme Court to direct for door-to-door vaccination.

It further seeks issuance of guidelines or the formulation of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) so as to give immediate effect to the functioning of door-to-door vaccination, as well as directions to establish a toll free 24/7 portal via which people may register themselves.