Thread by @fpjindia

#BombayHC bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Girish Kulkarni to hear petition filed by adv @DhrutiMKapadia seeking door-to-door vaccination for elderly and bedridden citizens in the state. @CMOMaharashtra was asked to submit guidelines today.

@DhrutiMKapadia appearing in person.
Advocate General Ashutosh Kumbhakoni for the state.
Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh for Union govt.

Kapadia: Policy is given to me last night. It isn't useful. It looks like the Union's "Near the Home" policy.

#BombayHC

Kapadia: When all states can smoothly conduct this drive why are we struggling in #Maharashtra ?

#ThirdWave of #Covid is yet to arrive yet they are not coming up with a proper policy.

Reads out from the state's policy - It says "May be implemented."

#VaccineForAll #BombayHC

Kapadia: We can even include Octogenarian persons and those above 90 years, who aren't able to move properly, they need not be bedridden.

The state has shown digital impact as if only those, who will register online will get the benefit.

#BombayHC #BombayHighCourt #Vaccines

CJ Datta: Ms Kapadia, let it begin first.

AG reads out the eligibility criteria for bedridden. CJ seeks to know response of citizens to online registration.

Anil Sakhare, Sr Adv for @mybmc informs that 3,505 persons have registered till yesterday.

Sakhare: By August 1 we will start this drive.
AG: Till last hearing we planned to start this as a pilot project in #Pune but now we have decided to start from #Mumbai
Kapadia: They have sought govt issued ID as an identity proof What abt those, who are bedridden from 20 years

Sakhare: @mybmc is equipped. We will start from August 1.

CJ points out that #BMC chief has been awarded #MumbaiRatna award.

"We will welcome such work that is for the betterment of the people," CJ.

We will keep it on August 6 till then u (state n BMC) submit a report.

CJ: The report should specify if any Adverse Effect Following Immunisation (AEFI) cases reported and how th vaccinators took care of it.

Kapadia points out from the policy that only #Covaxin would be administered. "What if it isn't available during second dose?"
#BombayHC

J Kulkarni seeks to know about citizens who are on wheelchairs and have got first dose, would they be given second dose at their homes?

AG: Yes, we will cover them.

J Kulkarni: I am told #Sputnik is available in some parts of our state, like in #Nagpur.

Sakhare: Aashirwad hospital at #Ghatkopar and #Kokilaben hospital at #Andheri have this vaccine.

AG: Only private hospitals are allowed by the Union govt to procure this drug. No govt or civic hospitals yet have this.

#BombayHC #BombayHighCourt #VaccineForAll

J Kulkarni points out that this drive would be free of cost as the @mybmc would be undertaking it. "Citizens won't have to pay for the Vaccines since it is being done by the corporation."

CJ dictates orders.

#BombayHighCourt

Chief Justice Dipankar Datta slams @narendramodi govt in his orders. Says, "It is unfortunate that the Union govt didn't rise to the occasion; however, state has arisen."

Notes that the guidelines would be finalised soon as it is in draft stage

#BombayHC #VaccineForAll

CJ Datta: We hope and trust the @mybmc chief would leave no stone unturned to provide benefits of the #Vaccines for the bedridden and immobile citizens.

Sakhare: Let Pvt hospitals be allowed.

CJ: Let's not have higher ambitions as of now. We will see this on August 6.

Kapadia seeks directive for issuing a helpline number.

AG says will consider this aspect while finalising the draft.

CJ: We won't pass orders to this effect. We leave it to the wisdom of @CMOMaharashtra and @mybmc for taking progressive steps. Citizens shouldn't face issues.

CJ Datta: We hope there won't be any hassles in the entire process.

Matter adjourned till August 6.

Hearing ends.

#BombayHighCourt #VaccineForAll #DoorToDoorVaccines
#VaccinesAtDoorSteps
#VaccinesAtHome