THIRUVANANTAPURAM: The Supreme Court has granted Kerala Pravasi Association (KPA) permission to approach the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare regarding concerns over anti-rabies vaccine quality, marking a significant development in the organization’s long-standing legal battle.
The bench comprising Justice PS Narasimha and Justice Manoj Mishra, while hearing the public interest litigation (WP(C) No. 882/2022), directed that the government must consider the organization’s representations on this crucial public health issue.
Led by Chairman Rajendran Vellapalath and President Aswani Nambarambath, KPA’s legal initiative since 2022 has emerged as a pivotal case in India’s public health sector. The organization approached the Supreme Court highlighting critical deficiencies in vaccine manufacturing and distribution protocols that potentially impact millions of citizens.
Advocate Kuriakose Varghese, representing KPA, in his arguement emphasized that India records the highest number of rabies deaths globally, despite it being a 100% preventable disease. He brought to the court’s attention the prohibitive cost of treatment, with each vaccine dose priced at Rs 7,500, making it inaccessible for common citizens.
The petition was filed following the deaths of 21 people from rabies during 2022-23, despite receiving post-exposure prophylaxis. According to the National Centre for Disease Control guidelines, the manufacturing and testing of rabies vaccines require a minimum of three to four months. However, KPA’s petition documented instances where vaccines reached Kerala within just 14 days of manufacture.
With more than 2,000 cases of stray dog attacks reported monthly, serious questions have emerged regarding vaccine quality and efficacy. The petitioner argued that non-adherence to quality control measures violates Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution of India, along with provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
Rajendran Vellapalath’s leadership has been instrumental in bringing this issue to national attention. Under his guidance, KPA will submit a comprehensive representation to the Union government, focusing on vaccine manufacturing quality control, proper implementation of the National Guidelines for Rabies Prophylaxis 2019, and updates aligned with WHO standards.
“This public health crisis demands immediate intervention from the central government. We anticipate measures to enhance vaccine manufacturing and distribution efficiency,” said Rajendran Vellapalath, Chairman of Kerala Pravasi Association.
President Aswani Nambarambath added, “The increasing stray dog population and the prohibitive cost of rabies vaccines that remain beyond the reach of ordinary citizens are issues requiring urgent resolution.”
Apart from establishing an expert committee, the petitioners sought widespread publicity and uniform implementation of the National Guidelines for Rabies Prophylaxis, 2019, with periodic updates in line with WHO recommendations.
