The biggest takeaway from the pandemic, and it is not over yet we must warn, is preparedness. The outbreak has taught us that we must be prepared for medical emergencies at a basic level. That means there must be enough beds, space and flexibility within the system so that we adapt to the changing contours of any healthcare crisis.

Experts have urged in a report in this paper that in view of the rise in H1N1 virus or swine flu, there must be some cap on the price for testing the same at laboratories.