Is India Ready For A Covid Spike?
The Covid-19 pandemic necessitated a robust public health strategy and the strengthening of weak links in the health system. Accordingly, a series of policy measures were introduced during a timeframe of two years, based on the caseload and the health system’s capacity at different timepoints. The “Covid-19 acceptable behaviour, test, track, treat, and vaccinate” fivepoint plan has been adopted.
In light of increased Covid caution in the wake of several countries witnessing a rebound in infections, let’s examine India’s preparedness for the Covid spike; if it has a comprehensive plan and is prepared in terms of health infrastructure, diagnostics, and vaccination.
Diagnostics Readiness
Early diagnosis of Covid-19 allows for timely medical intervention, enhancing disease prognosis and infection control. With the increase in rapid molecular testing, several laboratories and diagnostics companies in India have innovated and developed different diagnostic tools. CT scans and reverse transcription real-time PCR are currently used for diagnosis. The two possible molecular approaches towards detection of the pathogen follow either nucleotide or antigen routes. Retrospectively previous viral exposure or vaccination status can also be detected by identifying the antibodies generated against viral antigens.
Although there are different types of diagnostic kits in the market, their affordability and accessibility remain a major challenge. A few reasons for this include – non-availability of required reagents, a lack of technical expertise to perform the test and operate the equipment, and limited accessibility to research facilities to acquire access to the virus samples.
There are also significant constraints in meeting the medical requirements in terms of speed, volume, and cost of the diagnostic tools. One way to address this issue would be to enforce the “ASSURED (affordable, sensitive, specific, user-friendly, rapid, robust, equipment-free, and deliverable to end-users) criteria” as a benchmark for developing and identifying the most appropriate diagnostic tests for resource-constrained settings.
Vaccination Readiness
India’s situation is favourable in terms of vaccinations. The country has a good vaccination rate. Approximately 2.2 billion doses of the Covid vaccination have been given so far across the country. Therefore, by contracting the infection or receiving the vaccine, the majority of Indians have developed a protective immunity to the virus. The loosening of Covid regulations in China has some experts worried that emerging virus strains may spread to other parts of the world. Even if there doesn’t seem to be a threat to India right now, getting the vaccinations and keeping an eye out for any significant increases in instances could help lessen the effects of any future hazards.
Infrastructure Readiness
Levels of preparedness in India are much higher this time as Covid infrastructure in terms of equipment, processes, and human resources is in a state of operational readiness. Following a high-level stock-taking meeting, the current regime has instructed the states to inspect Covid-specific facilities to verify the operational readiness of hospital infrastructure, including oxygen cylinders, oxygen producing plants, ventilators, and employees. It is also urging people to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour at all times.
The surveillance procedures have been improved, particularly at international airports, and states are being advised to conduct genomic testing when instances are confirmed. Notably, hospitals all over India have conducted Covid-19 drills in view of the growing caution surrounding the infection globally. The purpose of the mock drills was to evaluate the availability of beds, staff, referral resources, testing capacity, medical logistics, telemedicine services, and medical oxygen.
The author is Founder & MD, Redcliffe labs
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