Making India Pandemic Proof
Context:
- The necessity of genetic surveillance has been made clear by the emergence of novel infections. India was able to quickly establish a strong network of institutions that can recognise novel diseases during the epidemic.
Introduction:
- How prepared is the nation for the next pandemic, everyone wonders as COVID-19 begins to fade? The virus’s propagation revealed flaws in the global health security index’s top-ranked nations as well as other health systems around the world.
- Additionally, Covid has made it possible to develop stronger healthcare systems. Over a million people die each year as a result of zoonotic diseases that spread from animals to humans due to climate change. Antibiotic resistance is another quiet epidemic that is present.
New institutions and methods emerging:
- The National Institute for One Health in Nagpur had its foundation laid. To quickly stop the spread of endemic and new zoonotic illnesses, the institute will pinpoint their hotspots. Its success will be based on how well these tactics are put into practise in real life.
- The vulnerability of urban populations to the spread of disease is demonstrated by the fact that 30 cities accounted for nearly 80% of India’s recorded Covid cases. In 20 cities, both big and small, India is currently increasing surveillance, and municipal corporations are required to identify the most vulnerable locations and issue early alerts.
- In order for this to be successful, private hospitals and clinics—which supply more than 60% of India’s medical care—would need to be united under one common platform, and information will need to be made available to the general public. This can be facilitated through the Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Mission.
An increasing need for genomic surveillance:
- The necessity of genetic surveillance has been made clear by the emergence of novel infections. India was able to quickly establish a strong network of institutions that can recognise novel diseases during the epidemic.
- Now, additional testing of wastewater and samples from arriving ships and aircraft can be added to this.
- Since no country can be considered safe unless its neighbours are also safe, these surveillance systems will also need to be expanded to other South Asian nations.
- In order to cover all respiratory viruses of unknown origin, India is also enlarging its network of research facilities, which previously primarily focused on influenza. It will be necessary to monitor antibiotic resistance, and effective awareness efforts are required to encourage antibiotics’ sensible usage.
Collaboration between Manufacturers and Research Organisations:
- Indian producers manufactured vaccines, test kits, medicines, masks, and other things during the epidemic at relatively affordable prices for both India and other nations.
- To establish India as a global powerhouse for the biopharma industry, the collaborations between manufacturers and research organisations must be maintained and strengthened. The National Biopharma Mission’s establishment of the clinical trial network is a step in the right direction towards enhancing access to novel, reasonably priced vaccines and medications in India and throughout the world.
How to Proceed:
- The World Bank recently increased the amount of funding it provides to the nation’s health sector to $3.5 billion. Together with PM-ABHIM, we are developing institutions and systems for averting and combating upcoming pandemics.
- By supporting the Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres established by the National Health Mission at the Centre and in seven states, we are also assisting in the improvement of the delivery of primary healthcare.
- India’s efforts will need to be successful. Because it is now a matter of “when” rather than “if” there will be another pandemic.
