Activist writes to CJI on preparedness for third Covid wave

Activist Tehseen Poonawalla has urged CJI NV Ramana to constitute a committee to oversee the shortage of vaccines and also to monitor the government's preparedness in tackling a possible third wave of Covid19.

New Delhi: Activist Tehseen Poonawala has written a letter to the Chief Justice of India, NV Ramana, and other judges to constitute a committee to oversee the vaccine crunch and to review the government's preparedness to tackle a possible third wave of Covid19.

"The government's premature celebration, unscientific approach and lack of foresight has led us to this current catastrophe. Unfortunately, there is still no action plan or formula in place by the government to protect those below 18 years of age. India has more than 165 million children who are less than 12 years of age," the letter said.

Amid a vaccine crunch in India, the antidote to the third wave is a combination of health infra and massive vaccination outreach. In the US the government has already authorized the use of Pfizer's vaccine on kids," it said.

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Poonawala contends that with approximately 3,11,170 new cases on 17th May itself, it is evident that there is a need to vaccinate all age groups. He also cites medical experts' opinions according to which the third wave is likely to attack the children.

Presently, the apex court bench led by Justice DY Chandrachud is seized of the suo moto case on essential supply of drugs and services during the pandemic. In one of the hearings, Justice Chandrachud expressed concern about children being affected by the third wave, told the Centre that parents need to be vaccinated by then as they might have to accompany infected children to hospitals.