Viral truths
Covid's return not a big worry. But a case in Delhi HC shows what's worrying when it comes to outbreaks
It is safe to assume that had Delhi HC not issued a notice to Centre for failing to present in court minimum standards for sample collection, most wouldn't have known that India has no SOP mandated for diagnostic labs. Protocols of course exist, but SOPs are not mandatory. This case has gained traction given the rise in Covid cases. Delhi HC sounded a note of caution. This is despite the fact that GOI, epidemiologists and medical fraternity all agree that given the endemicity of Covid and that almost 70% of the population is fully vaccinated, this round of Covid is little more than 'seasonal flu'. There is no cause for worry.
But that is not to say now is not the time for the whole preparedness-shebang to kick in – from wearing masks to surveilling the spread with more testing. Cases are climbing, as are deaths. All deaths have been of those with Covid, not of Covid. Point is, India's burden of comorbidity is massive – diabetes to TB to COPD, chronic kidney disease, and cancer patients & survivors. Against this reality, it's hard to see why Union health ministry wasn't more proactive to Delhi HC's 2023 order to formulate minimum standards for sample collection.
It is not about Covid alone. Our healthcare systems must brace for viral outbreaks at any point given the two major challenges today – a dizzying number of dangerous viruses (H5N1, dengue, chikungunya, Nipah, Zika are household terms) and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Preparedness and quick response make healthcare systems more resilient. Govt estimates put Covid deaths at 5.3L. Lessons were learned. Every weak link in public health machinery was exposed. In the three years since, how many of these weaknesses have been fixed? Is surveillance better? Is the expanded virus research & diagnostic laboratory network fully equipped? Variant identification took a long time during the pandemic. Have we fixed that? Surveillance systems, healthcare infra and community engagement ensure public health. Covid may not be a threat, but as epidemiologist Gagandeep Kang put it: 'What we know we don't know is when, where and what our next disease outbreak will be.' An SOP for sample collection and transport seems to be the very least govt can do.
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This piece appeared as an editorial opinion in the print edition of The Times of India.
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