Govt Urges SC To Dismiss Vaccine Death Case

The central government urged the Supreme Court to dismiss a petition on the alleged deaths of two women following Covid vaccine consumption. This petition was jointly filed by the parents of two young women.

The government responded that the vaccine, Covishield, underwent a rigorous safety review as well as a regulatory approval process before it got clearance.

In response, the parents of the women stated that they would counter the government's argument, covering all points.

The government further explained to the court that they had a "well-established" regulatory approval process for vaccines under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Rules. It was also noted that an internationally recognised system with several layers of independent expert review for safety and efficacy was used.

Once a vaccine was approved for use by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), it was followed by a detailed examination of scientific evidence and data by the National Immunisation Technical Advisory Group (NTAGI), the government said, detailing the process for Covid-19 vaccines.

Further, the NTAGI’s recommendations underwent another layer of expert review by the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for Covid-19.

Eventually, the use and administration recommendations are put before the Ministry of Health for approval. In September, the Supreme Court granted a writ petition filed by the families of two deceased women. It was followed by issuing a notice to the government.