Coming down heavily on the Central government over the wastage of COVID-19 vaccine, terming it as a ”criminal waste,” the Delhi High Court on Tuesday ordered the Centre to increase the ambit of vaccine to include those in the age group of 18-45 years, stating that the pandemic does not discriminate.
“We are losing on valuable and young lives. The pandemic does not discriminate. Whomsoever needs vaccines, give them. Everyone needs vaccination,”
-Division Bench of Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Rekha Palli said, while hearing allegations brought forth by several people regarding the complete mismanagement of COVID-19 situation in the National Capital.
The High Court further suggested the government to update its mobile application meant for vaccine registration, so as to accommodate people above the age of 18 years.
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“This would ensure that all doses are fully utilised. Such flexibility is available in other countries such as the US,”
“Wastage of vaccine, which is life-saving, is a criminal waste. We direct the government to look into the situation to permit full utilisation of vaccine,”
the Court added.
Reacting to reports that around 44 lakh doses of vaccine were wasted out of 10 crore, the High Court said, “Why is there wastage of even one dosage?”