In the corona epidemic, the panchayats will have to go ahead and take responsibility as it is necessary to save the villages.-Dr. Deepak Miglani

At the moment, the guidelines are not enough in themselves, their successful implementation will only prevent Covid. Now every effort should be made to implement them on a war footing. The rural health system is weak and availability of treatment or public health services is limited.

Now, at the village level, the panchayats will have to move forward and take responsibility. It will be necessary to set up isolation centers for the terminally ill people and refer them in time to those who need high level of care.

Containment strategy and Covid friendly behavior should be implemented with community participation. Involve local non-governmental institutions in the process so that local politics does not deprive anyone on the basis of caste, religion or any other basis. At the village level, provide Covid-19 testing and vaccination facilities through mobile vans.

Panchayats should demand this from the government. Activate primary health centers for treatment services and ensure oxygen supply arrangements and ambulance transport. The link between PHC and district level Covid hospitals should be strengthened. Unlike the previous promises, whatever is proposed in these guidelines this time should be implemented as soon as possible.

There is almost unanimity that there will be a third wave in India, although we do not know how big it will be and when it will come. In the meantime there may be state level waves. As long as there is an epidemic in any part of the world, we have to focus on preparedness.

Meanwhile, there have been statements from some people that the third wave will affect children more severely. However, there is no scientific or epidemiological-based evidence for this.

Even though virus mutations and strains have occurred, all age groups have been affected by the same risk. Clearly, there is no additional risk to children. Nevertheless, we have to make full preparations for any apprehension.

But for further preparation, we have to learn from the mistakes made so far. Nearly three weeks after the oxygen crisis in the second wave, Goa's government hospital also reportedly died due to lack of oxygen. It seems that Indian states have little desire to learn each other.

States need to learn from each other to face the epidemic. Implement the strategy to fight the epidemic, subject experts without any political interference. Reiterate the political commitment to strengthen the government health system and work on a war footing. Only then will the country be able to fight the coming waves successfully.

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Dr. Deepak Miglani, Email id.:- legalbuddy@gmail.com