Ahead of the Covid curve (Indian Express)

Mains Paper 2:Health 
Prelims level: COVID curve
Mains level: Kerala model of health infrastructure system 

Context:

• The COVID curve in Kerala is nearly 50 per cent while the all-India average is around 11. 
• While the mortality rate among the infected is 0.5 per cent in Kerala, the all-India average is 3.4 per cent. 
• The transmission rate of a primary carrier is 2.6 while in Kerala it is only 0.4.

Preparing for the next challenge: 

• Kerala is preparing for the next challenge, the outcome of which will determine the result of the war against COVID. 
• Lifting of the lockdown is going to result in an influx of returning migrants from foreign countries and other states. 

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Preparedness:

• That is the key word to the success of Kerala and the key lesson to be learned from it. 
• The single most important factor that enabled us to be prepared for the COVID is the strength of our public health system. 
• All over the globe, we are witnessing serious market failures in the health sector in the context of the pandemic crisis. 
• Policymakers are learning the hard way of the importance of a public health network.
• The morale of health personnel has been exceptionally high. 
• Special training, protective gear, scientific duty rotation and, most importantly, societal empathy and solidarity, have all contributed. 

Route map for COVID positive cases:

• A route map of each COVID positive case is prepared and given publicity, alerting everybody who might have been in contact. 
• The protocol of cycles of intense test, trace, isolate and treatment has been the norm. 
• Kerala has the highest test rate in the country. Break the Chain Campaign to promote social distancing has been successful. This is indeed a very important lesson. 
• Lockdown by itself is not going to contain the COVID spread. It would continue to multiply within households and dormitories. 
• Testing has been woefully insufficient in the national response so far.

Economic revival challenges: 

• The lockdown destroys livelihoods and it is the duty of the state to ensure subsistence through income transfers and free rations. 
• The transfer of Rs 500 to Jan Dhan accounts and additional 5 kg grain rations have been woefully inadequate. 
• The payment to construction workers, which is a major component of the Centre`s package, is from the state-level construction workers’ welfare funds.
• Lack of adequate financial resources has been the biggest impediment faced by the government. 
• The state’s own revenues have dried up. The GST compensation is in four month arrears. Credit is freezing for the SLR bonds. 

Way forward: 

• There are no sufficient resources for relief let alone for the stimulus after the exit from the lockdown. 
• The Central government has to step in and ensure adequate fiscal space to the states.

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Online Coaching for UPSC PRE Exam

General Studies Pre. Cum Mains Study Materials

Prelims Questions:

Q.1)With reference to the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), consider the following statements:
1. The Art competition entitled ‘United against COVID’ is an initiative of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). 
2. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), is an autonomous organization founded in 1990 and is headquartered in Kolkata.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer.......................

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Mains Questions:
Q.1)What nation can learn from Kerala to combat COVID 19?