In fact, this being a public interest litigation, we also need to highlight certain aspects related to the senior citizens. One of the brother Judges of this Court Mr.Justice A.K.Jayasankaran Nambiar has pointed out the plight of senior citizens who are living alone and who have no assistance from others. The learned Judge pointed out an instance of death of a senior citizen in Palakkad due to Covid, who could not get timely care and attention of the health department. Under Section 20 of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, a duty is cast upon the State to ensure medical support to the senior citizen. The learned Judge also pointed out that the Janamaithri Police, in fact, made such enquiry in Ernakulam District to enquire about the well-being of his own mother, who is living alone. However, it appears it is not being carried out effectively throughout the State. Therefore, the Government has to ensure that the Janamaithri Police or the Station House Officer take details of the senior citizens in their jurisdiction to ensure that timely help is bestowed to senior citizens. It is seen from the Government Order dated 2.6.2021 that the Government included bedridden patients in the priority category for vaccination. If the bedridden patients and senior citizens who cannot move out of home due to illness or any kind of disability, are not vaccinated from their home, the very purpose of such vaccination would be frustrated. It is appropriate that the Government makes every effort to ensure that bedridden patients as well as senior citizens who cannot move out are provided vaccination at their residence itself.
