Since the detection of the first Covid-19 case in January in Kerala, the country has been virtually ravaged and to call a spade a spade, there is still no genuine hope standing at August end. Saturday’s statistics show that there has been an addition of 76,472 new positive cases taking the total caseload to 3,468,272. 70000+ daily addition seems to be the new normal and vis-à-vis global scenario, this exponential pattern of daily spike is the highest recorded by any country so far which also otherwise implies that it’s the worst phase now which is even more intense than that was in the US during its peak. And with casualties just about to touch 63000, India currently has the third highest Covid deaths, overtaking Mexico. Looking at these terrifying figures, which also foretell a lot about the approaching days, it’s time to evaluate how far the ‘firewalls’ such as stringent lockdown(s), social distancing and personal hygiene protocols have given results. Despite reposing confidence on the measures and the analysing the background that made them unavoidable, it must also be said that there are limitations and that have been the principal contributing reason for the current state of helplessness. In a 138+ cr population there are bound to be ‘loopholes’- it’s a fact and better be admitted. The sordid reality which mirrors the on-ground limitations must thus take everyone again to the query- when will the vaccine arrive? While a certain degree of hope has been generated with the recent news that it might be 2020 end or early 2021, discussions are also going on regarding its outreach in the country where the chief points are – price and common man’s accessibility. In this regard, it needs to be understood that a central policy defining a clear-cut plan of action is still awaited.

There are multiple reasons why the vaccination delivery plan is going to be challenging. The virus, unlike most of the others the country has dealt with has a peculiar character with an unparalleled contagious capacity. Strictly from the medical point of view, it means there lie virtually no scope of prioritising any state or region in terms of caseloads and deaths and the whole country has to be viewed as a single entity. The other aspect that needs special attention is the price factor. It will be an apt example of a welfare state the country professes to be, to make it free for the economically weaker sections. In Arunachal and Northeast, given the frailty of the public health delivery apparatus, a more robust action plan needs to be rolled out.

To make this gigantic and unprecedented exercise an inclusive and equitable affair, preparations must start right now. Just like polio vaccination, it must be a mass movement with government(s) as vigilant tutors.   

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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