Why couldn’t COVID-19 prevail over God’s own country?

Rahul Sinha

Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan, in which we must fervently believe and upon which we must vigorously act. There is no other route to success. 
– Pablo Picasso

From motivating the public through press conferences to imposing restrictions and resisting the shocks, Kerala’s efforts are praiseworthy. Kerala invested a lot of time and capital for its human capital over a long period of time, the literacy rate touches the sky the healthcare facilities are significant. Kerala’s political history states its in-depth linkage with communism. But when it comes development and welfare the ideologies are compromised. Kerala’s healthcare system is highly privatized with healthy division of labour between private and public sectors. Kerala even managed to cope up after the floods in 2018 due to its decentralized and effective system. Kerala also has one of the highest doctor-patient ratios in the country. The doctor-patient ratio in the state, which nearly stands at 1:400, which is much higher than the World Health Organization recommended 1:1000.

Kerala also took lessons from its last experience dealing with the Nipah virus, which neither had treatment nor proper vaccine. The state recognized certain protocols like isolation, contact tracing and alert community surveillance system, which they also implemented during their war against the Corona Virus.

Even before nation wide lockdown, Kerala implemented various actions like shutting down schools and banning public gatherings. The mid-day meals were delivered to the children at their homes, this effort was admirable and was cherished by various eminent personalities.

On 16th of march, Kerala launched “Break the chain” campaign to combat Covid-19 at its primitive stage. The main aim of the campaign was to educate people about importance of hygiene. This campaign to limit the spread of corona virus was undeniably successful. After certain amount of spread the district authorities prepared route maps of the infected people specifying the places they travelled after the initial symptoms were noticed. Kerala is quarantining people for 28 days instead of 14 days, as recommended by the center. The patients in quarantine were blessed enough to have choice of meals, wi-fi services and counselling. The anti-Covid task force led by renowned doctors and administrators used a hotline to provide stress relief to affected people.

At a point of time the state faced a shortage in supply of hand sanitizers due to excessive demand during the initial days and due to hoarding of the product. A Public-Sector Undertaking named Kerala State Drugs and Pharmaceuticals ltd assured the government that it would produce enough sanitizers for the state at a minimal rate of 125/- for a 500 ml bottle.

One of the most disgusting factor recognized during this lockdown period is spreading of rumors and fake news, it not only initiates unnecessary rivalries but it also affects out mental health. The government of Kerala not only asked the police to take strict actions against people who are behind the menace, but also launched its app GOK Direct.

The states multilayered combating policies including healthcare (not only physical but also mental), proper communication system and stringent policies helped it to set an example in front of the whole world during this time of global distress. The instance showed us the importance of government and public cooperation and over and above, the importance of well nurtured human capital. The war is not yet over but Kerala is very well prepared to defeat COVID-19.

Rahul Sinha is a BA Economics (Honours) student of St. Xaviers University, Kolkata.

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May 20, 2020