Deal with vaccine hesitancy on priority basis: HC to govt

SHILLONG, July 22: Reiterating its earlier observation, the High Court of Meghalaya on Thursday directed the state government to deal with the vaccine hesitation issue on a priority basis and with full earnest.
“So far as the vaccine hesitation issue is concerned, we have categorically observed in our judgment and order dated 23rd June, 2021, as to how the same is required to be dealt with by the state government. However, from the submissions advanced by the learned Advocate General, it appears that the issue still remains to be addressed effectively,” the Court said.
In the order dated 23rd June, 2021, the Court had made it clear that it shall monitor this issue closely so that the state government is able to overcome the vaccine hesitation problem at the earliest and all eligible persons in Meghalaya are vaccinated well within the timeframe as may be specified by the state.
The Advocate General has been directed to apprise the Court more specifically as to the manner in which the vaccine hesitation issue is being dealt with by the government. The next hearing will take place on August 9.
Present trend worrying: Hek
Health Minister AL Hek on Thursday expressed dismay at the current COVID situation of the state.
“It is a worrying trend and that is why I am appealing to people time and again that we cannot be complacent and protocol has to be followed stringently,” he said.
Attributing the rise in cases to violation of the protocols, Hek said, “Behavior is important. I have seen people in marketplaces moving around without following protocols. This is alarming.”
Asked if the government was contemplating to enforce restrictions considering the current COVID situation, the Health Minister said, “We have experienced the first lockdown. We are continuing with the second one but we have to look at the livelihood of the people and also the health aspects. Both are equally important.”
He further said that the decision lies with Chief Minister Conrad Sangma.
“We cannot say anything right now. If the COVID situation turns worse we have to discuss and take a call that will neither hamper health nor livelihood,” he added.
Hek also said that he had held a meeting with officials of NEIGRIHMS and NHM on the possible third wave of COVID-19.
Informing that the meeting was called specifically to discuss the state’s capability to tackle a third wave, Hek said, “We should be ready for any situation or eventuality. That is why we called people from Delhi to give presentations on preparations for the third wave.”
He also informed that the construction of the prefab structures in Tura and Shillong has already started and will be completed soon.
On the ex gratia of Rs 50,000 to the next of kin of those who died of COVID-19, Hek said that the DC is handling that aspect and some formalities have to be completed after which the government will release the amount.