In recent years, the global health landscape has seen the rise of new infectious diseases, with the latest concern being the rapid spread of the M pox virus, formerly known as Monkeypox. Declared a “public health emergency of international concern” by the World Health Organization (WHO), M pox is becoming a serious threat, especially to developing and low-income nations. The Clade 1 strain of the virus, known for its virulence and ability to spread through skin contact, poses a unique danger to densely populated regions with limited healthcare resources. The origins of the current outbreak trace back to Africa, where fourteen countries have reported cases. Outside of Africa, M pox has surfaced in Sweden, Thailand, the Philippines, and Pakistan. In India, the state of Kerala reported two cases in March this year, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance. The WHO has placed M pox on its priority list, alongside seven other viral families, as climate change accelerates the mutation and spread of viruses. The emergence of Disease X, a WHO concept, reflects the urgency for nations to be prepared for unforeseen pandemics. M pox exhibits symptoms similar to COVID-19, such as cough and flu-like signs, coupled with painful pus-filled lesions. With COVID-19 claiming 6.9 million lives, the threat of another pandemic looms large.
The key question is, how prepared is India to confront this threat? Reflecting on the country’s response to the second wave of COVID-19, it becomes evident that India faced significant challenges. A shortage of hospital beds, medical supplies, and healthcare professionals severely impacted the nation’s ability to manage the pandemic. Erroneous policy decisions, including the hasty imposition of a nationwide lockdown, compounded the situation by disrupting the lives of millions of migrant workers. A detailed analysis, as outlined in the paper “Need for Policy Reforms in the Aftermath of COVID-19,” identifies three critical areas that need addressing: operational, financial, and logistical issues. Collaboration among stakeholders, including public health officials, government agencies, and pharmaceutical manufacturers, is crucial for maintaining an efficient medical supply chain. However, the disjointed nature of India’s healthcare system, where public health is a state responsibility but health policies are determined at the federal level, often results in mismatches between supply and demand. Logistical issues also play a significant role. Public hesitancy to take vaccines, driven by concerns over safety and efficacy, exacerbated the crisis during COVID-19. This hesitancy, combined with limited testing facilities, particularly in rural areas, delayed diagnosis and treatment, further straining the healthcare system.
Financially, the pandemic revealed vulnerabilities in the supply chain, particularly the dependence on Chinese active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Price hikes during the pandemic disrupted the availability of essential medicines, highlighting the need for a more resilient supply chain. To better prepare for future pandemics and reduce the burden of existing diseases, India must adopt proactive health policies. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and diabetes are significant contributors to mortality in India. Reducing smoking rates, a leading cause of many NCDs, through policies that promote less harmful alternatives like nicotine patches and gums, could be an effective strategy. Ultimately, the creation of an independent task force comprising healthcare professionals, economists, and engineers could provide valuable insights. Establishing a real-time Integrated Health Information Platform would allow for better tracking and response to emerging health threats, ensuring that India is better prepared for the next pandemic.
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