COVID 3rd WAVE: COMMON THINKING & APPROACH NEEDED
It is a common knowledge that the second Covid wave has ravaged the majority in villages and towns with record number of cases & casualties beyond imagination, aggravating further the individual and family grief.
Suppressed Casualty Data
Confirmed reports of 3.89 lakh deaths (1.18 lakhs in Maharastra and 24,925 in Delhi) vis a vis three crore registered cases and 2.89 crore recoveries, have come to light. People who suffered and are still suffering are not readily meant for statistical delight.
Yet , following media disclosures, casualty figures have been purposely suppressed in eight major states. Further, in a span of ten days , Bihar with a rise of 73 % deaths in twenty four hours,as reported to Patna High Court and 1,97,000 ‘excess’deaths in U.P. ,as per ” Article 14″ ,a private web site, could be termed as phenomenal examples of under reporting & under estimating.
Such a statistical inconsistency is likely to prevail during 3rd wave also when Delta variant is going to be more transmissible than others.
These have shaken already troubled imagination of the nation.Those who expired under inhuman and miserable circumstances, all had and are justified to have hopes,dreams and aspirations.
Kumbh Fake Certificates
As if this was not enough,another disturbing news about fake certificates numbering about one lakh, issued during Mahakumbh has surfaced (this writer too was a victim of deceipt and cheating on 23rd April,2021).
Consequently, cases pertaining to negligence,spreading disease,cheating and criminal conspiracy have been filed against three labs with regard to the Rapid Antigen Tests.
In the midst of raging Pandemic, the populace with limited resources have not given up work. Hats Off !. They have to survive,sustain and maintain.In the event of a shred of infection,state of health deteriorates either for want of a proper guidance in home isolation or it is the necessity of a bed or oxygen cylinder,which generally becomes the determining factor.Day in and day out,middle aged and the elderly breath their last.
Situation is likely to worsen further if the present phase of New & Accelerated Vaccination drive (record 8.5 millions in a day and 10 millions a day planned in August) that began on 21st June is NOT maintained with Central Procurement & adequate precautions.
No one can guarantee that.
Unless “Ego”, “Goes”.
Fact of the matter or scenario, however, looks just Reverse.
How to Remedy such a ticklish situation ?
Third Wave Inevitable ?
A recent statement pertaining to Covid 3rd wave likely to be inevitable in the next six to eight weeks, attributable to the Director of AIIMS, has unfortunately bolstered the level of anxiety,apart from umpteen guesswork and deliberations. Even then there is nothing called slowing down or reduction in flaunting of norms & protocols,especially on the part of novo rich entities.Many of them do not seem to have learnt Lessons from immediate past. Instead of expressing regret, majority of them are seen paying fines
British Opinion
In addition, a British Government Scientist too has reportedly subscribed to similar stand due to what he claims “Delta variant of Corona virus was first identified in India”.
Prof.Adam Finn further adds that for the time being, the surge in infections may not appear pessimistic, none theless, same will show upward swing, especially in the age group of 16 to 25 years. Whatever it may be,the process and rate of hospital admissions,both in Britain and India shall have to be closely monitored from day one to have periodic clarity and to enable chalking out a suitable plan of pre -empted action, based on last year’s performance.
Vulnerable Pockets
Coming to domestic domain ,while keeping in view the vulnerability of Maharastra and Delhi ,the Maharastra Govt.and Delhi H.C. have already warned of the” deadly & devastating” 3rd wave,thus:”If flouting of norms continue,expect the third wave to HASTEN ITS PACE”.
One may remind that the runway, rather the worst outbreak so far during 4th April to 10th May’21 compelled citizens of all shades to scramble from hospital to hospital(one patient’s family drove all the way from Delhi to Mumbai),Which was,in a way, facilitated by irresponsible media utterances.
While ‘free for all’ Mahakumbh and thousands of fake tests conducted by an unauthorised private agency,therein, are again hitting headlines,painting of Delhi scenarios of 37,000 daily cases likely to go to an extent of 45,000, unnecessarily adds fat to the prevailing state of depression and fear about the inevitable 3rd wave.
Can’t we talk of something more positive on health, education and social welfare fronts ? Also is it proper for Govt. Of India to tell the states ,”now” not to Rush to Unlock ,after having given arguments in favour of losses being suffered again and again by rich industrialists & businessmen on the one hand and rising unemployment on the other?
Efficacy Factor
In the meanwhile,Efficacy reported to the extent of 92% as regards AstraZeneca and 96% with regard to Pfizer after two doses, probably gives temporary respite.Also the disclosure that fatalities drop in places having high vaccination rates and that male fertility is not hurt by vaccination and finding of another study that Covid hits cognition,need to be seriously looked into.
However, a warning from some other experts that Corona virus may continue to evolve for a few years more, certainly disturbs all sections,including front line warriors. As such, according to emerging trends vaccines are unlikely to protect fully against infection or may be, Relapse.
Dr. Aaloc Srivastav,
Ex-Chief Secretary,
Govt.of Sikkim
