On India and COVID-19

PWOnlyIAS

June 03, 2025

On India and COVID-19

India has reported 3,961 COVID-19 cases in 2025, mostly from mild Omicron subvariants, prompting a precautionary, not panic-driven

Recent Trends in COVID-19 Cases (2025)

  • Current status: As of June 2, 2025 (8 a.m.), India has reported 3,961 COVID-19 cases since January 2025. 32 deaths have been recorded.
  • Relatively: While the numbers may appear concerning, in the context of India’s 1.4 billion population, they are relatively small.
  • Variants: Most States are not reporting daily surges, and increases are in single or low double digits. So far, 2,188 people have been discharged, confirming that:
    • The infections are from Omicron subvariants
    • These are neither more transmissible nor more severe than previous strains.
  • Approach: Panic is unwarranted, but a precautionary approach is essential.
  • Risk groups: High-risk groups include those with:
    • Hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease
    • Obesity, kidney disease, or age above 60 years
  • Precautions: These individuals should wear masks in public and Wash hands regularly
  • Expert views: According to Soumya Swaminathan (former WHO Chief Scientist) Immunity from past infections is helpful. Booster/vaccine doses should be administered to the vulnerable

Way Forward

  • Availability of Vaccines: COVID vaccines and boosters are not widely available, even in urban areas.
  • Ensuring Adequate Vaccines: India must Ensure vaccine stockpiles and diagnostic kits are readily available. Distribute them across the country proactively
  • Private and Government intervention: Both public and private hospitals should ensure:
    • Availability of medical oxygen
    • Adequate hospital beds
    • Sufficient health-care personnel
  • Transparency: One critical lesson from the pandemic: avoid data obfuscation. India must ensure transparency in reporting infections and deaths.Centre and States must be guided by:
    • Efficiency
    • Openness
    • Regardless of how the COVID curve behaves

Conclusion

Preparedness is an enabling force, unlike panic, which is debilitating. The approach to any new wave must be evidence-based, targeted toward vulnerable groups, supported by systemic readiness and transparency.

Main Practice

Q. Drawing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, discuss the importance of preparedness, transparency, and public health infrastructure in managing future waves of infectious diseases in India. (15 Marks, 250 Words)

To get PDF version, Please click on "Print PDF" button.

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Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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