PIL seeking mental illness as a type of comorbidities for vaccination filed in New Delhi

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been applied for in Delhi High Court which has sought for direction to constitute mental illness to be a part of the list of the comorbidites for Covid-19 vaccination.

Gaurav Kumar Bansal, an advocate and mental health activist has filed the petition thereby putting forth his demand about the mental illness to be added to the comorbidities, which will facilitate priority for the people with mental illness to get vaccination.

The plea said, “By way of the exclusion of the mental illness from the list of specified comorbidities, the Health Ministry has not only prohibited the patients from availing the benefits of the vaccine but has also created barriers in getting it. It is also important to keep in mind that homeless persons with severe mental illness have a higher risk of contracting Covid-19 infection due to their disability.”

The plea further adds that the condition of submitting the disability certificates by the beneficiaries for administration of the vaccine should be removed.

The petition was filed before the division bench which comprises of Justice DN Patel along with Justice Jasmeet Singh. The hearing for the PIL was adjourned and will be further heard as scheduled for March 15. 

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