Lessons We Learn From Covid Pandemic

Dear Readers,

A sudden health crisis that made the governments scrambling for preventive measures such as lockdowns and healthcare arrangements. Some developed countries such as USA and UK have reacted slowly and paid the price heavily in terms of loss of lives. India has taken commendable measures right in time to reduce the fatalities. Many precious lives were spared not only due to the preventive steps taken by central and state Governments, but also the services of front line warriors from health sector. The Govt of India is in a precarious position to balance economy and the preventive and treatment measures of Covid Pandemic. Covid has taught us a bitter lesson i.e apart from the vaccination drive, public awareness and voluntary compliance of health advices is highly essential to tide over the crisis. Disregarding the health advices may result in recurrence of the Pandemic in future. The health sector is not fully prepared to face the challenges the Covid throws up considering 130 billion population. Containing the Pandemic is a herculean task. It requires more investments in terms of healthcare professionals, infrastructure, equipment and drugs. Private sector participation should also be enlisted for efficient services. When we think of consequences of this pandemic, many predictions are made on different issues. Few issues are discussed in this article. Climatic changes could be one of the possible reasons which unleash floods, draughts, wildfires and hurricanes. Contagious hitherto unknown but fatal diseases, some spreading from animals, birds to humans is a new phenomenon. The earth’s fragile ecological balance is being disturbed rapidly due to industrialisation, population growth and overutilisation of resources.

Economic disparity

Economic disparity is likely to widen among the countries and also within the countries. The gap between the rich and poor will be further widened due to loss of livelihood, health expenses and many other issues.

is correctly being sown through this disturbing feature. This disturbing problem is being reported across the country. But the magnitude of this problem is yet to be felt by the state governments.

The Covid-19 has impacted the society in several ways, thrown the life out of gear. Various business establishments were closed and daily wage jobs were lost during lockdown. But post unlock period, children in primary and secondary education level, and from families working in unorganized, unskilled sector are helping their parents to earn extra money. Unfortunately the public distribution system (PDS) supplies were disturbed or discontinued during this period. Mid day meal scheme had to be suspended. The school children started taking up odd /menial jobs to support their parents. Universities both state and deemed have rescheduled their academic calenders there by affecting millions of students precims future.

Digital World

Covid Pandemic has brought a sea change in the digitalisation of life. Lockdowns, online coaching classes, online payments, purchase of essentials and so on. The demand of internet use, smartphones, computer programmes and software development techniques have begun to radically change our daily routine. 

School education

Covid-19 is spreading its tentacles on school education also. Its vice like grip is slowly undoing what all has been done for the last 30 years. The increasing dropout rate mainly from secondary school education classes is bothering the policy makers as they expect a big problem in ensuring quality human resources in future. The seeds of this worrisome trend

Vaccine market:

Administration of Covid-19 vaccine has completed 4 weeks (Covishield and Covaxin). During these four weeks, only 8 million people are expected to get the first dose. At present, the vaccination programme is in progress through government channels. Considering only 8 million doses in 4 weeks period, approximately, the nation may require more than 60 months to effectively cover the population.

The Indian government is yet to open up the vaccination market to the private companies. The free market system for Covid-19 vaccines will ensure competition, choice and price. This directly helps in achieving the stated goals under social welfare measures. The drugs controller general of India has to initiate the required measures to bring more pharmaceutical companies to bring out their vaccine products, since several vaccine products are developed and made available by the reputed Pharma industries.

Hospitalisation of Corona infected people and their plight is unbearable. The cost of hospitalisation and treatment for an average Indian in corporate hospitals is very high, unaffordable and severely impacting their resources. Some unfortunate family members are made to pay lakhs of rupees to the hospitals to bring back their lifeless dear ones.

Ultimately, inspite of many economic stimuli announced by the Govt of India, its effects are yet to be felt by the cross section of the society. But one thing is certain life may not be same again in Post pandemic.