Background Last week, India’s Finance Minister announced a slew of financial relief to the stimulate growth and improve the healthcare infrastructure of the country which has been affected badly by the second wave of Covid. The package worth INR 0.62 million crores can be sub divided in three broad themes: Those that improve the financial… Continue reading Healthy Financial Relief Package for People’s Health
Category: Pandemics
Privileged to be Part of World’s Largest Vaccination Drive on 21 June 2021
Introduction I went for my first vaccine shot yesterday (21 June 2021). Little did I knew that I would be amongst the first 2000 of the innoculatees on the Covin App (I am informed that there were 2000 vaccination centers that logged in the Covin App at 9 am. I was numero uno at Wockhardt… Continue reading Privileged to be Part of World’s Largest Vaccination Drive on 21 June 2021
Ask What You Can Do for Me, My MP and MLA
Background India is the world’s leading vaccine producer. However, a lot of discussions in the media by the politicians blaming the Center for the shortage of vaccines has been doing the rounds. One politician even went to the length of sharing the ‘formula’ of the vaccine to other so that they can manufacture the vaccines.… Continue reading Ask What You Can Do for Me, My MP and MLA
Covid Apartheid-Complete State-level Nationalisation of Hospitals?
Background There has been news floating on the WhatsApp on complete takeover of private and charitable hospitals by the Maharashtra Government. MAHARASHTRA TAKES CONTROL OF PRIVATE COVID HOSPITALS, FIXES DAILY RATES – The Daily Guardian. The article was published on May 7, 2021 and quotes Sudhakar Shinde, CEO, State Health Guarantee Society saying, “We have… Continue reading Covid Apartheid-Complete State-level Nationalisation of Hospitals?
Should We Impose Complete Lockdown Now?
Background Our Supreme Court has directed the Central and state governments to consider imposing a ban on mass gatherings and super spreader events. “We would seriously urge the Central and State governments to consider imposing a ban on mass gatherings and super spreader events. They may also consider imposing a lockdown to curb the virus… Continue reading Should We Impose Complete Lockdown Now?
In Search for An End(Demic)
The Coming of End(Demic)? I have been speaking with cross section of folks over the last few days. Covid Command Center Officials, Health Ministry Officials, Our Doctors, some experts across the world to understand what we are calling the ‘Second-Wave’ of Covid. Many social media posts, new reports are completely confusing the masses now that… Continue reading In Search for An End(Demic)
Yeh Hai Bombay Meri Jaan, Saab Hain Covid Se Paresaan!
Preamble Earlier in the last decade I was part of the Healthcare Committee of Bombay First which was assisting the Maharashtra Government in the Mumbai Masterplan 2045. One of the key concerns and recommendations made by the Committee was building the healthcare infrastructure for the city, Mumbai lags behind in beds per 1000 population with… Continue reading Yeh Hai Bombay Meri Jaan, Saab Hain Covid Se Paresaan!
The Second Chinese Virus Wave – Trade Off Between Vaccine Strategy and Vaccine Diplomacy
There is a second impending Chinese Wuhan Virus Wave in India. Last few days have seen a huge spike in the number of Covid Cases. States like Maharashtra are contributing to over 50% of th cases in the second wave of this pandemic. There are hints of a lockdown while the immunisation drive is now… Continue reading The Second Chinese Virus Wave – Trade Off Between Vaccine Strategy and Vaccine Diplomacy
Science of Politics of Covid Vaccine in India
Background India has finally developed a vaccine for Covid which was approved by the regulatory authority the DCGI and it now the front runner for production of vaccines in the world. This is a great moment for India’s scientific might and I want to congratulate all the scientists who have worked tirelessly to deliver this… Continue reading Science of Politics of Covid Vaccine in India
Ending Endemics: My Learnings from Eradicating Polio from India
Background The rumors, fake news and experts comments around Covid Vaccination has pitched. In China, the mass sentiment is that their Covid vaccine is not effective and is just a placebo. While in India there are concerns on the efficacy of the vaccines under development and their safety. As a result our Hon. Prime Minister,… Continue reading Ending Endemics: My Learnings from Eradicating Polio from India