The Supreme Court disposed of a PIL that raised concerns about the quality of anti-rabies vaccines in India. The court allowed the petitioner to take the issue to the Union Health Ministry for further action. The PIL questioned the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines. The decision emphasizes addressing public health issues through proper administrative channels.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court dismissed a writ petition that sought the formation of an independent expert committee to evaluate the effectiveness of the intradermal Dermal Rabies Vaccines (IDRV) administered to humans, as well as the Rabies Veterinary Vaccine given to dogs in India.
However, the Court permitted the petitioner to submit a representation to the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, which will review the matter and take appropriate actions regarding rabies.
The petition, filed by the Kerala Pravasi Association, highlights the deaths of several individuals who fell victim to rabies after being bitten by dogs, despite receiving post-exposure prophylaxis. The plea raises concerns about the treatment protocols and, more importantly, the efficacy of the vaccines.
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The petition also highlights the rising number of rabies-infected dogs, calling for an investigation into the quality of anti-rabies vaccines administered to dogs. The petitioner argues that addressing the risk of rabies at its source namely, dog populations is the most effective strategy to prevent the disease’s spread.
The plea states,
“Non-adherence to the requisite quality checks would be a direct violation of Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution of India, as well as violations of the provisions under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the associated rules,”
In addition to the establishment of an expert committee, the petitioners requested enhanced publicity and the proper, uniform implementation of the National Guidelines for Rabies Prophylaxis, 2019.
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They also advocated for these guidelines to be periodically updated in accordance with the latest developments affirmed by the WHO.
According to the petition, the National Centre for Disease Control has indicated that manufacturing the rabies vaccine for humans is a complex process, typically requiring three to four months for production and testing. Nevertheless, the writ petition claims there have been instances where the vaccine reached the state within just 14 days of manufacture.
Case Title: KERALA PRAVASI ASSOCIATION AND ANR. v. UNION OF INDIA AND ORS., W.P.(C) No. 882/2022