The Indian government has told the Supreme Court that it has not issued any Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for persons with disabilities to carry coronavirus vaccination certificates for any purpose.
“Vaccination for Covid-19 is of larger public interest given the ongoing pandemic situation… However, no person can be forced to be vaccinated against their wishes.” according to the affidavit.
It further added that the government has not issued any SOPs, which require persons with disabilities to carry vaccination certificates mandatory for any purpose.
The government’s response came on a plea by an NGO Evara Foundation seeking door-to-door, priority Covid-19 vaccination for persons with disabilities. The governemnt emphasised that the directions and guidelines by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare do not envisage any forcible vaccination without obtaining the concerned individual’s consent.
The government reiterated its stand on using face masks or face covers, and added the Har Ghar Dastak Abhiyan policy, door-to-door vaccination of eligible beneficiaries, which includes persons with disabilities, will increase its reach further.
The plea contended that persons with disabilities are at a greater risk of contracting Covid-19 due to their difficulties.
