Despite having endured multiple waves of Covid-19, the country’s preparedness to prevent or manage future outbreaks remains inadequate. File Pic/ Ashish Raje
“There is little evidence of the robust planning required to contain future surges,” said Dr Subhash Salunke, former director general of Public Health Services and ex-member of the state and ICMR COVID-19 task force. File Pic/ Satej Shinde
Speaking to mid-day, he warned of a troubling silence from government agencies and a lack of action on the ground, raising serious questions about whether citizens are being adequately informed by authorities to take the necessary precautions to prevent another COVID-19 outbreak. File Pic
The early detection of clusters, timely genomic sequencing, and widespread virological monitoring are essential. Representational File Pic
“Unfortunately, these efforts appear insufficient or even absent at both central and state levels,” said Dr Salunke. Representational File pic
“After declaring victory over COVID-19, we’ve allowed ourselves to fall into a false sense of security. While the government was credited for managing earlier waves, little has been done in terms of sustainable capacity building over the past four years. Preparedness must encompass the entire spectrum of communicable disease management — training of doctors, strengthening public health infrastructure, establishing case management protocols, and ensuring effective leadership.” said Dr Salunke. Representational File Pic
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