@the_news_21
The Supreme Court on Monday slammed the Central government for its vaccine drive. The three bench of Justices DY Chandrachud, LN Rao and S Ravindra Bhat asked the government why it was providing states with 100 per cent of doses required for the 45+ age group, but only 50 per cent of those needed for the 18-44 demographic.
“For entire population above 45, centre is procuring (vaccines) but for 18-44 there is bifurcation of procurement – 50 per cent available to states by manufacturers and price is fixed by the centre, and rest to be given to private hospitals. What is the (actual) basis for this?” the court asked.
“Your rationale was high mortality in 45+ group (but) in the second wave this group is not seriously affected… it is 18-44. If purpose is to procure vaccines, why should the centre procure only for over 45?” a three-member bench of Justices DY Chandrachud, LN Rao and S Ravindra Bhat asked.
“Why should states have to pay the higher price? Centre has to take over the responsibility of one price for the whole nation,” the court stressed.
