The novel SARS-Cov-2 Coronavirus that emerged in the city ofWuhan, China last year is advancing across the globe, thousands have lost theirlives to this pestiferous disease.
The straining frail public health services and exacerbatingpreexisting political and sectarian tension in every country. The story herelooks very similar, although the governments all over the world are trying hardto save people. But do we have a necessary mechanism available? If we talk aboutKashmir response to this virus is disappointing. We don’t have least capacityto deliver health services to the people. Only some positive cases erupted fearamong the people. According to some data, there are only 99 ventilators tosupport the teams. So you have 99 ventilators to sustain 7 million people. Forthe sake of argument, let’s say that J&K has been a buffer state betweenIndia and Pakistan that’s why we couldn’t achieve the standards. But the storylooks even pathetic with the other states of the country.
Coronavirus has Lessons to Teach
India is set for an explosion of cases and no hospital tobed a patient. It looks a very tough chase to defeat this virus, but cases haveshown a lot of recovery with intensive care. But how India can promise intensivecare, when it’s not being able to provide bed to the patients. At the sametime, whole setup has come to a halt, even flights have been suspended. Fewstates have initiated different schemes to keep people going with their needs.But will they prove any good? How will our economy survive, when its alreadyhaunted? It looks like a very intriguing situation in the country. The RBI hasalready pumped more than 1o,ooo crore liquidity to maintain the marketstability in the wake of virus outbreak in the country.
While I am writing, my friend confirmed me about more 2infected cases in Kashmir. So it looks anything worst, more delayed responsewill increase the risk. A collective and positive global response is thenecessity of the time. Interstate and International mechanism needs to be putin place. People already suffering from diseases must not be left. At least wehave to try to keep our medical colleges and research labs working so that weare able to produce enough workforce. Presently government must recruit newdoctors and paramedical staff to abate the panic among patients, who aregetting unattended. We must not compromise with the rights of prisoners, theymust be given proper care and opportunities to know the overhaul condition.Rural population is always prone to the diseases, efforts need to put intoplace to disseminate better awareness among masses. It has been seen that everyhard time has had an impact on mental health. People are told to stay indoors,it might be a hurdle for practising. But efforts need to be put to encouragepeople staying home. Artists and celebrities should start entertaining andencouraging people to stay home by taking it to social media or mass media.Educators also have a great responsibility finding ways to make a bridgebetween present and future, by ensuring a free space to learning. There shouldbe a mutual response by government and non-governmental organizations helpingevery house with a computer tablet. Steps must be taken to boost morale amongpeople offering essential services. Food growers and retailers must be educatedabout the safest possible way of operating. We all need to be optimistic aboutthe future, certainly, these are very hard times but mutual cooperation amongpeople is necessary for survival.
Suhail Mehraj is a Youth Advocate At UN.