PIL filed in SC over Covishield side-effects; VDPS sought

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Supreme Court regarding the potential side effects of the Covishield vaccine, administered during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The PIL filed by Advocate Vishal Tiwari highlights concerns arising from recent revelations regarding rare side effects associated with the vaccine, prompting calls for urgent action to safeguard public health.

Outlined in the plea is the acknowledgement by pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, developer of the Covishield vaccine, of potential side effects such as low platelet counts and the formation of blood clots, termed as Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS), in very rare cases. This revelation has raised alarm given the extensive use of Covishield in India, with over 175 crore doses administered across the country.

The plea underscores a report by UK-based media organization The Telegraph, detailing cases of individuals experiencing adverse reactions, including permanent brain injury and death, following the Covishield vaccination. AstraZeneca, while denying a generic link between the vaccine and TTS, has acknowledged the possibility of TTS in very rare instances.

Moreover, the plea highlights symptoms associated with TTS, including breathlessness, chest or limb pain, skin bruising, headaches, and numbness, underscoring the potential severity of the condition. Concerns are also raised regarding the surge in deaths attributed to heart attacks and sudden collapses post-Covid-19 vaccination, particularly among young individuals. The Petitioner urges the government to prioritize the safety and well-being of Indian citizens by addressing the risks associated with the Covishield vaccination.

The plea seeks for the establishment of a Vaccine Damage Payment System, akin to those in countries like the UK, to provide compensation for individuals severely disabled as a result of vaccination. Additionally, it calls for the constitution of a Medical Expert Panel comprising experts from institutions like the All India Institute of Medical Science, supervised by a retired Supreme Court Justice, to examine Covishield vaccine side effects and risk factors.

In light of the urgency and gravity of the situation, the Petitioner implores the Court to intervene and issue necessary directives to ensure the safety and health of Indian citizens.

“After Covid 19 there have been increase in the cases of death due to heart Attack and sudden collapse of persons. There have been number of cases of heart Attack even in youngsters. Now after the document filed in UK court by the developer of Covishield, we are compelled to think upon the risk and hazardous consequences of Covishield vaccine, which have been administered to the citizens at a large number. The government is required to take immediate steps for the sake of the safety and health of Indian Citizens. The issue has to be looked upon by the Union Government on priority so that in future no risk may occur regarding the health and life of India Citizens,” the plea reads.

The Petitioner also seeks directions to Union of India to compensate the people who are severely disabled or died because of the side effects of Corona vaccine administered to them during the pandemic. Verdictum