Prioritize Vaccination For Transgender And Citizen Who Have To Travel Internationally: Madras HC

What Is The Case

• The Madras High Court has ordered both the federal and state governments to increase the Covid-19 immunisation programme for residents who will be travelling internationally.
• One of the intervenors in the suo moto Covid-19 case suggested that both the State and the Centre should consider vaccinating students who wish to study abroad and residents abroad who have come on short visits, or others who need to travel internationally, on a priority basis, and that some norms in this regard be put in place.

Details Of The Case

• "It is desired that both the Centre and the State will look into such an element so that the expectations and convenience of a large number of citizens or non-residents can be met," a Division Bench led by Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy stated at the time.
• It should be noted that similar cases have been filed in the Delhi and Kerala High Courts. It was also noted that passport numbers may be recorded in the immunisation certificate if the appropriate individual requests it. "With various nations now opening up and admitting foreign travellers from India, this part of the issue takes on much greater significance," it said.
• "Considering the vulnerability of such persons, it is hoped that the State will consider vaccinating transgenders on a priority basis, particularly since the number of transgenders may not be many," the Bench said in another writ petition filed by Grace Banu for conducting special vaccination drivers for transgender persons in Tamil Nadu by assisting them to register online.

Court’s Observation

• The Petitioner had also asked the Court to issue directions for conducting Covid-19 Vaccination Awareness Programs for Transgender Persons in the State of Tamil Nadu, particularly to clarify and assure them about the safety of vaccines for those who are undergoing hormone therapy and other treatments.
• The Bench stated in a petition filed by one M. Karpagam, pertaining to special facilities for vaccination of homebound, disabled, and those in hospitals, nursing homes, or otherwise unable to attend vaccination centres, that "There are several groups of citizens who require special attention, including the petitioner's suggested classes and even inmates at correctional facilities. ....a more thorough investigation into the actions to be done to address the petitioner's vulnerable groups is required."
• As a result, it has asked the State to provide a "road-map" for vaccination of the above-mentioned group of people. The Bench also expressed its pleasure with the availability of medical services and the overall management of Covid-19 in the State. It did, however, encourage the state to address different accusations of private medical facility overcharging.

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