Editor,
The nation-wide Lockdown that started from midnight of 24th-25th March, 2020, had specific uncertainties at the ground. It’s quite apparent that Police was entirely given the task to ensure that people do not venture out of their homes. In the set-up that we have, though, this had telling impact and there were also adverse side effects.
(1) Policemen on the ground did not carry out the job they were expected do for various reasons; especially the manner in which these were supposed to be carried out.
(2) They were many instances when Police was happy to use the baton, rather understand the issues of the people who were on the streets.
(3) Apart from the Police, the others wings of the administration and the Government, were almost conspicuous by their absence, like the municipality, food and civil supplies, etc.
(4) Sensitization of the public, on a continuous basis, in this respect was hardly done.
It’s now clear that the lockdown would continue for a much longer period than earlier intended to. It’s become even more important to be more prudent and sensible, at-least, henceforth.
Therefore, apart from the much desired improvement at the local, block, district and state level among the different wings of the State and Central Governments, it’s suggested that the concept of mobile observers is started, similar to ones that Election Commission puts in place during elections. The observers need to be separate from implementation agencies, including the Police, and may have certain executive and quasi-judicial powers, and their functions may include being a bridge between the public and the administration. Such a step would also make the implementing agencies and the Police more vigilant in executing their duties in a fair manner. Needless to add, these observers have to be neutral, fair and transparent.
Yours etc.,
D Bhutia
Guwahati – 24
Invest in preventive medicine
Editor,
Both the central and state governments must be appreciated for the measures they have taken to combat covid-19 outbreak. They have demonstrated firm commitment in taking care of the medical needs of people. The Centre and states, despite disagreeing on certain issues, have shown understanding and cooperation. Resources have been mobilized to enhance testing, admitting and treating covid-19 patients. They have responded quickly to various requirements needed to combat the coronavirus. However, India’s public health system has a lot of deficiencies. The government must give priority to strengthening the health system so that we can boldly face other outbreaks of pandemics in future.
Compared to India, many countries spend a much bigger proportion of their GDP on healthcare. For example, China spends 2.9% of its GDP on healthcare; the US spends more than 8% of its GDP, France and Germany spends more than 10% and Iran about 4.4%. Even though India stands far ahead of its neighbour Pakistan on various fronts, on the issue of healthcare spending, India is not much better. While Pakistan spends 0.9% of its GDP on healthcare, India spends 1.1%, which is very inadequate.
Another drawback is that the money is wrongly spent with the bulk of it invested in creating treatment facilities for patients. Very little money is spent on preventive healthcare. Such spending does not produce good results. In India, the poor go to government hospitals because they have no choice. The middle and upper class patronize private hospitals.
Our health care system is faced with several problems, the shortage of medical personnel being a major one. True we need physical infrastructure such as hospital beds, PPE, ventilators et al but we also need more medical professionals and frontline workers such as ASHA workers, anganwadi workers, auxiliary nurses, midwives etc.
The current pandemic has taught us many lessons. We lack preparedness for combating pandemic outbreaks. We must invest more in strengthening the healthcare system. Public health is an art and science of preventing diseases and promoting health through social efforts. Investment in health-care must be directed towards preventing diseases and promoting health. We must have a proactive response to outbreak of diseases, not a reactive response.
Yours etc.,
Venu GS ,
Via email
Corrigendum and gratitude
Editor,
Apropos my letter – “Overpricing of essential commodities” (ST, 22 April), I have to make one correction. Please read the last sentence of the first paragraph as – “It has also come to my notice that rice (ordinary LAI brand) is now being sold at Rs 1400 to 1500- per packet (not 50 Kg) while it was sold in the range of Rs 800 to Rs 1000 before lockdown.” These days such packets (or small sacks) come in 30/25 kg in variant brands. The inadvertent error is sincerely regretted. In fact, the letter was to show the huge difference in prices before and after the lockdown in various essential commodities. Please note that the blame for overcharging is not against all but a few unscrupulous vendors who have taken undue advantage of the crisis and shortage of essential commodities. The “honest” wholesalers and retailers need not be panicky. Instead, they all “deserve” praise for fully cooperating with the government during this pandemic. If possible, let’s be more considerate and sell the food-items with minimum profit margin. One believes, the humanitarian support and empathy shown towards the needy now, who are without any earning sources, is more meaningful than ever before.
I thank the Deputy Commissioner for taking prompt action’ the effect of which is already being noticed at the retail outlets. Lastly, I express my indebtedness to The Shillong Times for publishing letters. We cannot have social, political, and democratic “wellness” without the outspoken media.
Yours etc.,
Salil Gewali,
Shillong