- As other parts of the universe, especially Western and European countries, battle it out against the dreaded virus owing to second and third wave as also mutant variants significantly establishing a foothold in further singeing the humanity, Indian population should be finally heaving a collective sigh of relief since the confirmed infections rates are consistently on the downward slope for months on now. Whereas some of the countries like the United States of America, United Kingdom, Germany, and South Africa just to name a few are reeling under the impact of the mutant variants, India seems to be comfortably placed vis-à-vis newly reported infection cases.
PC: Fred Donovan
- Every people in the know aware of how the country’s health infrastructure was placed to face the demands of medical situations would have never given a serious chance to stand up to the challenges posed by the uncertainty and unknown pandemic when it first made its debilitating presence on the horizon. The population density and almost moribund healthcare infrastructure largely owing to less than expected investment in the sector had contributed to the deplorable situation back then.
- As the challenges posed by the dreaded virus started making rounds where the most advanced nations’ enviable health infrastructure was being overwhelmed by the raging pandemic, pessimists and doubters were of the firm opinion that India will crumble badly leading to loss of precious lives and livelihoods in great numbers. As the country was placed under abrupt lockdown by the Union Government, expectations of our fragile healthcare infrastructure disintegrating under the weight were stronger. Extreme hardships following the imposition of stringent lockdowns on every sector, especially on those millions of migrant laborers, were heart-rending. Air was filled with cynicism and pessimism against our preparedness.
PC: Osman Shabir
- To its credit, the Union Government did come out with timely economic stimulus packages as also gradually scaling up production of PPEs – right from masks to ventilators – enabling the health authorities precious time and legroom to gradually scale up to face the mounting challenges. Testing, tracking, tracing, treating, and technology became the buzzwords as the resilience of the country came to the fore in a taxing environment. Despite the challenges galore, the country finds itself in a comfortable position vis-à-vis case fatality rate (CFR), and confirmed infection rates are an achievement that could not have been possible without certain factors playing out nicely. What are they?
- Admirable adherence to safety and health guidelines viz. wearing of masks, hand washing, and social distancing was one of the most important factors. Also, our in-built natural immunity playing a definite role cannot be discounted. Likewise, our food habits which lay tremendous emphasis on natural ingredients, spices, and herbs alongside home-remedies too would have contributed to building immunity against the virulent virus. With the vaccination drive underway envisaging to cover a different category of people in a phased manner, India as a country appears to have overcome the turbulent times.
PC: frikota
- By all accounts, it indeed presents a comforting picture and we can finally start entertaining thoughts about having left behind the virus. As such, it may not be out of place or premature or presumptuous, or too soon to pat our backs for achieving the seemingly impossible after enduring painful months of hardships in keeping the virus at bay. Nonetheless, exercising caution is of utmost importance till the last man standing is vaccinated. Well done India!
