It was on March 11, that the World Health Organization (WHO) upgraded the status of the COVID-19 outbreak from epidemic to pandemic. COVID-19 infections seriously are on the rise and no-one exactly knows yet the answer that how long it will make this world suffer. It must be noted that calling this virus a pandemic does not mean that it has become more deadly, it is an acknowledgement of its global spread. Experts suggest that countries with high alert and practices can still change the course of this pandemic, and that it is the first ever, it can actually be controlled. Efforts have increased around the world on developing a vaccine for COVID-19 using different techniques but world needs to take extra care till this vaccine is a reality.
Alarming Health Sector Status in India:
India and many other developing nations have a big challenge ahead to combat with this virus because of huge population and the lack of resources. India faces several hurdles in its fight against COVID-19, including high population density, lack of hygiene, and insufficient healthcare resources. The greater challenge for India is posed by a bed-population ratio of nearly 1:1,000, and with around one million hospital beds and less than 100,000 intensive care unit (ICU) beds. The problem is worse in rural India which has a more percentage of population but the 70 % of the healthcare infrastructure is limited to the Indian urban areas. There are clear signs of worries whether India will witness a massive outbreak in the days ahead. The sweeping measures put in place by authorities at the Centre and in the States are highly appreciable. It is time not to be involved in cheap politics or any blame game attempts rather everyone has to sense a role to defeat this deadly virus.
Our Responsibilities:
Government of India is taking measures to ensure that we all are prepared well to face the challenge and threat posed by this growing pandemic. The efforts by the Governments have to go harder and more serious now. But all the efforts will be in vain without the active support of the society. The citizens must be empowered with the right and simple information. Moreover, the role of the govt. is not merely confined to the issuance of the advisories rather support the society in one way or the other for their survival.
Covid-19 is a global challenge that requires responsible action on part of each and every individual. We have a responsibility to protect our own self and the society. The outbreak may be stressful but coping with stress will make us, and our community stronger. We must adhere to the practices suggested by the reliable authorities like World Health Organization etc. We should avoid customs and blind faith as much as possible and raise high awareness among those who are illiterate. We must share accurate information about COVID-19 and that can help make people feel less stressed and will allow us to connect with the society. There must be greater care shown for the poor masses of the country. Poor families in the locality must be identified and given support through one way or the other. They need support in this hour of crisis when every economic activity is almost at halt and they earn their bread and butter on day to day basis. The poor will be the most sufferers and need our support.
A number of cases who have come to India from foreign lands have not cooperated with the authorities. There are some cases that have ditched or bribed the authorities and put the entire society at risk. This kind of irresponsible behavior must not be tolerated. There must be heavy fines imposed on both the irresponsible officials and the offenders. Passengers at airports complain of chaos due to the mandatory health screening being done to detect the virus cases. It must be kept in mind that the attempt is to prevent further spread of COVID-19 that has started infecting people in India and it is serious. Anyone may feel differently while going for quarantine but the persons who are taken for quarantine and their families need to be patient and calm. We should not follow the shortcuts as our life is precious. We should rather support and appreciate the authorities who are there to serve the humanity.
World Unity is Needed:
The covid-19 is not limited to a particular region rather it has gripped the entire world. There is a serious concern that many countries are not taking aggressive action that is required to deal with this pandemic. This virus has given some big lessons to the big countries to ponder upon and work together towards the revival of normalcy on the earth. The rich countries have a responsibility now to support the poorer nations both financially and with the required resources. The poor countries will then only be able to take urgent measures against this alarming pandemic. Countries have to resolve not to get involved in dirty fights rather pledge to be active to fight against Covid-19. A world unity is needed at this hour of crisis before it is too late…….
- The author is Assistant Professor, School of Management, ITM University Gwalior, Youth Ambassador, International Youth Society and a Regular Columnist. He can be reached at- dr.shahidamin15@gmail.com)
