India, like all other countries, has been mourning the Covid 19 deaths. India made a bold and decisive lockdown of the entire nation, well in advance, to thwart the spread and increased mortalities. The virus struck like a lightening, sudden and swift, causing an alarm. The lockdown made many pariahs, and the poor immigrants were left to fend themselves in their arduous journey back to their homes.
However, amid the gloom and despair, many selfless sacrifice tales came to the fore from the doctors, nurses, and frontline workers. The PPE clad men seemed a bizarre zombie scenario who continued lifting the infected to the hospitals, cremating the dead. It was like a wartime situation. The government did what it could, reaching food and ration to people, empowering the women and the farmers with money in their bank accounts etc.
The vaccine manufactures speedily moved. Here was a catastrophe looming on the horizon, as well a great opportunity to prove our efficacy as a leading cure provider. They risked everything, expanding their manufacturing and storage capacity. Risky it indeed was, as no vaccine was approved by any country yet.
Besides the vaccines, cold-chain transport and storage until the vaccines’ usage, the medical personnel to administer the vaccines, crisis management teams, hygiene products like gloves, cotton, the spirit had to be readied. More importantly, the list of beneficiaries had to be readied in record time. Dry runs were conducted, which was the largest such exercise done in the known history in any country in the world.
It was a matter of pride, not only for the vaccines’ manufacturers but also for the whole country. Yesterday, the first tranche of 14 tons vaccines rolled out of the factory in Pune, carrying more than 5 million vials to 13 cities across India. Thirty crore frontline medical and non-medical workers will be the first beneficiary of a free vaccine. If all people have to be vaccinated, would mean 2760 million vials of vaccines, considering two doses for each Indian.
Many Indian vaccines are in various stages of trials and could come soon. Like the IT and computer professionals carrying the Indian flag high all over the world, it is now the Pharma sector that has enhanced our nation’s reputation. Vaccine roll-out has fortified our hopes and aspirations and improved our country’s image as a solution provider to the world.
There may be a few, mainly from the opposition, who may taunt the vaccines’ effectiveness. Losers spread fear and hatred and do not represent mainstream India. For the common man, the free vaccines are the passport for a peaceful return to their jobs, to take care of their families and the country.
Once again, I share my pride like any other Indian would.
Sampath Kumar
Intrépide Voix
