Health ministry’s citing of strategic and economic interests to deny access to information on India’s vaccination strategy is patently illegal, especially during a pandemic, say experts.
After putting the onus of vaccinating all Indians in the 18-44 age group against COVID-19 on states and private hospitals in May, the Centre is once again preparing to take over the bulk of India’s vaccine procurement following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of a new policy on 7 June. Obviously things did not go as planned with massive vaccine shortages continuing to be reported across the country.
Since January, when the national vaccination drive against COVID-19 was rolled out, multiple policies have steered its course with little success. Yet, the health ministry refuses to share critical information about them, …
Akshay is an investigative reporter and former writer at The Morning Context. Based in Delhi, he writes about the environment, public policy and economy from the lens of the pulls and pressures of an ambitious democracy. Akshay uses the right to information extensively for reporting stories of vital public interest. Over the past decade and more, he has worked for HuffPost India, Frontline, The Economic Times, Down To Earth and DNA.
akshay@mailtmc.com