In a significant development, legal notices have been served recently to the Chief Secretaries of 15 Indian states and union territories, demanding the immediate cessation of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign. Advocate Mitali Sett issued the notices on behalf of senior gynecologists and members of the Awaken India Movement, citing concerns about informed consent, potential health risks, and non-compliance with Supreme Court mandates.
Key Details of the Legal Notices
The notices allege violations of the Supreme Court's directives in the landmark case Jacob Puliyel vs. Union of India, which emphasizes the "golden rule" of informed consent. The directives mandate:
- Parents cannot be questioned for refusing consent for vaccines.
- Authorities and healthcare professionals must ensure parents are fully informed about vaccine contents and potential adverse effects.
The legal documents also demand wide dissemination of information in local languages about vaccine risks to ensure transparency and public understanding.
States and UTs Covered
The legal notices were served to the following states and UTs via speed post and email:
Delhi, Bihar, Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Chhattisgarh. Notices for other states are expected to follow soon.
Allegations and Concerns
The notices raise serious concerns about:
- The lack of sufficient scientific evidence proving the efficacy of HPV vaccines in preventing cervical cancer.
- Reports of adverse effects such as autoimmune disorders, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, fertility issues, and other health complications.
- Non-disclosure of vaccine ingredients, adverse effects, and limitations in official advertisements and patient information booklets.
Additionally, the notices highlight international controversies surrounding HPV vaccines, including reported deaths during trials in India and abroad, and call for a halt to mass vaccination drives pending further studies.
Demands Made in the Notices
The notices list several pre-requisites for resuming HPV vaccinations, including:
- Wide publicity of potential side effects and risks in local languages.
- Transparent disclosure of vaccine ingredients and patient information booklets.
- Comprehensive health evaluations of recipients before vaccination.
- Risk-benefit analysis for each recipient.
Advocate Sett and the complainants argue that these measures are essential to safeguard the health and rights of young girls targeted by the vaccination drive.
International Context and Financial Concerns
The notices also reference studies and expert opinions questioning the causative role of HPV in cervical cancer. They criticize the financial implications of mass vaccinations, suggesting that funds could be better utilized for early detection and treatment programs, such as Pap screenings.
Broader Implications
The legal notices not only call for the cessation of the HPV vaccination program but also highlight broader concerns about public health policies, vaccine safety, and ethical medical practices in India. The Awaken India Movement has urged parents, schools, and state agencies to refrain from participating in the campaign until these issues are resolved.
For further details, the state-wise legal notices and covering letters can be downloaded online. Recipients are warned of legal consequences if the demands are not met promptly.
This development underscores the need for a transparent and evidence-based approach to public health initiatives, balancing the benefits of vaccination with the rights and safety of individuals.
Reference: https://awakenindiamovement.com/legal-notices-served-to-chief-secretarie...
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