File photo: Delhi high court
NEW DELHI: Delhi high court on Wednesday refused to stay the HPV (human papillomavirus) immunisation campaign but asked the Centre, Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation, and Indian Council of Medical Research to file separate replies in four weeks on the “justification for introducing the vaccine”.It was hearing a PIL that sought a direction to the authorities to review the decision to include HPV vaccines in “Universal Immunisation Programme and raised concerns over their long-term safety, lack of informed consent and monitoring of adverse events.”Half-baked vaccines should not be administered. We are only to ensure that the necessary protocol is followed,” said the high court.The PIL also sought direction to authorities to conduct and publish district-wise and state-wise evaluations before further expansion. The high court scheduled the next hearing for October 29.
