In response to reports of rare side effects associated with the Covishield vaccine, Advocate Vishal Tiwari has moved the Supreme Court seeking the constitution of a Medical Expert Panel to examine the risks and side effects of the vaccine, as well as compensation for those adversely affected.
The plea highlights AstraZeneca's admission that its AZD1222 vaccine, licensed and sold as Covishield in India, can lead to low platelet count and the formation of blood clots in very rare cases. Tiwari emphasizes the significance of this revelation, particularly considering that over 175 crore Covishield vaccines have been administered in India.
Tiwari underscores the responsibility of the Indian government in assuring the safety of the vaccine and administering it to citizens. He calls for the establishment of a Medical Expert Panel, headed by the Director of the All India Institute of Medical Science, Delhi, and supervised by a retired Supreme Court Justice, to thoroughly examine the side-effects and risk factors associated with Covishield.
Additionally, the plea urges the Union of India to establish a Vaccine Damage Payment System to compensate individuals who have been severely disabled as a result of the vaccination drive during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tiwari emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the health and safety of the people and ensuring that those adversely affected receive appropriate compensation.
The reliefs sought include the constitution of a Medical Expert Panel to examine Covishield vaccine side-effects, the establishment of a Vaccine Damage Payment System for severely disabled individuals, and compensation for those affected by the side-effects of the Covid-19 vaccine.
This plea underscores the importance of addressing public health concerns and ensuring accountability in vaccination campaigns to safeguard the well-being of the population.
Author: Anushka Taraniya
News Writer, MIT ADT University
