The country has been in the grip of the coronavirus for more than 6 months. With the countries GDP growth being at a year-on-year lowest in the last 4 decades, is the country fighting the virus at the grass-root level? The economy is in bad shape. The manufacturing, mining, hospitality sectors have been the worst hit. However, the stock market is oscillating at a gradually increasing pace while millions are losing jobs. Coronavirus cases are rising every day, while people seem to have lost the fear of the virus. The real question is, are cases rising?
This write-up is a quick and short description of a conversation I overheard between my parents.
My father is a person with diabetes and both my parents suffer from respiratory issues. It is very normal for them to be afraid and anxious relating to the pandemic. As cases in my locality increase, the fear increases more. My father has been in touch with some of his friends who are currently recovering from the virus. They advise we stay indoors and avoid the hospital at all costs. Why?
Some patients have complained that cases are rising and a majority of them are being declared asymptomatic. This is true, even if we check the WHO guidelines, which says that 80% of cases remain asymptomatic. Then, is there some foul-play? Some conclusions that can be made are listed, and this can be true for several regions in the country.
Some complain that hospitals are receiving funds amounting to ₹2.5 lakhs for every coronavirus patient that gets admitted into the hospital. This implies that people visiting the hospital (for any reason) are being asked to get tested (mandatorily), and the majority of tests are positive. The outcome? The hospital receives a grant for every patient.
Also, ULB/Ward members receive funds amounting to ₹1,500 for every patient asked to be in home-quarantine for looking after their needs and requirements during the quarantine period. Several firms, who have suspected coronavirus patients, are also not providing the test results to the patients directly. They are sent from the test lab to the company itself and the company declares if the person should rejoin or not (using up his ‘leave’ days).
People suspect foul-play in the entire structure of health and medical facilities. Several people have complained, but can someone raise a voice against this collective issue to higher authorities? Who should we raise our voices to? The PM, CM or the ULB/Ward representatives who do not keep a record of any transactions they make?
The questions raised here are essential in understanding the entire health structure of the government. Some resources are distributed, but are they being utilised properly? Are the funds reaching the targeted population? Is somebody monitoring the situation of this transfer? Can we hold people accountable for this?
Several speculations are present around this entire situation, but if true, it shows how people and society can be exploited. The government is failing us in several ways. It was unable to control the migrant and the unemployment crisis. It has announced a package worth enough for economic recovery, but provided supply sided aids for a demand sided issue.
The day the government puts money into the hands of the people, the economy can see a situation of revival. As far as the health situation is concerned, we must worry about it, especially people at peri-urban or rural regions.