The Madras High Court on Wednesday reposed faith in the Government of Tamil Nadu in taking appropriate measures to vaccinate all persons with disabilities, especially those who are home-bound, in a plea seeking vaccination for various categories of differently-abled persons across the state.
The Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy, while perusing the status report dated June 29, 2021, filed by the State indicating that adequate measures have been taken to vaccinate persons with disabilities, noted thus:
“There does not appear to be a plan in place for persons with disabilities who are homebound and do not have the ability or resources to travel, particularly in the semi-urban and rural areas. It is hoped that all persons with disabilities, irrespective of status and resources, are taken care of by the State in due course.”
The Bench directed the State to persuade persons, reluctant to take the vaccine, with awareness campaigns and scientific data indicating the efficacy of the vaccines and its indispensable nature in dealing with the pandemic. “Indeed, vaccinating oneself may not only be to protect oneself but also in the larger interest of public health,” said the Bench.
Keeping in view the fact that the vaccination drive in the State has just begun, the matter has been deferred till July 28, 2021.
On the last date of hearing, the court had asked the State Government to file a detailed report indicating how it proposes to vaccinate various categories of differently-abled people across the State, including those who are unable to leave their homes and may be in distant parts of the State.
The instant petition has been filed by Advocate M. Karpagam seeking framing of a standard operating procedure for vaccination of home-bound persons, persons with disability, persons at institutions, nursing homes, or otherwise unable to attend vaccination centres.
Read the Order here;
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