With increasing heated debates on the governmental strategy to tackle covid, as a constructive criticizer, I decided to pen my views on the prevailing pandemic situation. After keeping a continuous track of the recent (un)clear numbers on covid, I firmly believe that the current union government and federal associates have failed to deliver effectively in the desired direction. The recent comments and alarms raised by the judiciary is the ultimate proof of the government’s failure. Today, 04th May 2021, I tried to imagine myself as the Prime Minister of the country and mined all the possible steps that should be taken by me to effectively and efficiently tackle this deadly coronavirus. As a result, I have segmented the policy framework to significantly bring down the number of covid cases and minimize unfortunate fatalities. Following are my strategic steps/ plan of action:
Firstly, I will direct the medical professional experts to form multiple special task force (STF) to identify the most affected districts of the country and present true and transparent data for appropriate and prompt remedial measures. Eventually, after consulting with the various stakeholders, a 15 days’ strict lockdown should be imposed on these highly affected districts to break the virus chain and reduce the burden of health- care family.
Secondly, I will direct all the concerned machinery to mobilize the medical resources from the least affected states to the most affected states so that latter areas can be tackled with much-needed medical resources and thus fatality rate can be reduced. Most importantly, I will ask CAPF to overtake the responsibility of transporting oxygen supply in a mission mode and supplement them with a green corridor for entry and exit.
Thirdly, it is true that the major portion of the total population is in panic and most importantly they are losing faith in the governance. However, it is also true that even today PM has considerable influencing power. So, as the head of the government, I will address the nation for rebuilding public confidence as this cruel battle can’t be won without active public participation. During the address to the nation, I will focus on the following six major areas:
a. To control the rapidly rising cases in the most affected areas such as Maharashtra, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Delhi, I will urge the stakeholders to ensure targeted mass vaccination to these areas on a high priority basis. Furthermore, I will request the public of the least affected areas to show deliberated patience for the next 10 days and allow rapid vaccination to more prone areas.
b. Liberalise licensing norms for vaccine development. As suggested by Bharat Jhunjhunwala, there is enough space for surpassing WTO’s product based patent agreements in the name of national interest. It will enable mass vaccine production. To meet the cost of large scale vaccine production and supply, I will urge financially sound families to voluntary give up free vaccination and prefer paid vaccination. Effective logistics management vaccine will the key priority. In addition, I will urge people to donate their one- day salary, or otherwise to help the government in creating financial space for procuring more vaccines, even from foreign states.
c. Issue a strict warning to the drug stockist who is black-marketing important drugs such as remdesivir, tocilizumab, doxy etc. and those manhandling the oxygen and other medical equipment supplies.
d. Announce a real relief package for the affected population.
e. Stop all kinds of mass gatherings from immediate effect.
f. Lastly, I will thank all the corona warriors fold handed who are making enormous efforts to save this country from the cruel deadly virus. Fourth, I will urge all national and regional political parties to collaborate and co-operate in mitigating and overcoming this deadly pandemic. The exchange of governance experience can be of immense use in dealing with this cunning enemy. Furthermore, as the virus doesn’t differentiate geographical boundaries, global cooperation is the ultimate need of the hour. It’s time to bring together international friends to rescue a friend. In addition, I would reiterate United Nations to rethink about its foundational significance.
None can deny that the second wave of covid have pushed the country in the lap of uncertainties, panic. fear, and created a trust deficit. With large number of cases, high fatality rate, social unrest, and collapsing health care facilities, resolute and progressive decisions needs to be taken. As the leader of the country, I will make efforts to bring all the stakeholders under one roof and rebuild the belief that this tragic pandemic can be defeated with synchronised efforts. My first priority is saving lives.
(Writer is a Research Scholar at DDU, Gorakhpur and Chief Advisor at FETC)