The COVID-19 outbreak, since it originated in Wuhan, China towards the end of 2019, has spread globally since January of 2020. Since then, the disease has been classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a pandemic. More than a year on since this declaration, the disease has spread across the globe, claiming more than […]
COVID-19
The third wave: COVID-19’s next act
When India’s second COVID-19 wave hit, it sent the nation reeling. Hospitals were overwhelmed. Vaccine exports were halted to accommodate those at home. People took to social media to beg for supplies of vital medical equipment such as medical oxygen amidst shortages. To consider the prospect of a third wave right now may seem to […]
Black fungus cases a continured scourge
As its second COVID-19 wave continues, India remains embattled by mucormycosis or ‘black fungus’ cases. Black fungus is a fungal infection which has exacerbated the bitter toll of the country’s COVID-19 crisis. The Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS) in Bihar state capital Patna is a case in point. The Institute currently houses 101 […]
Free vaccines from the Centre; A federalised policy a welcome shift
Vaccines will be offered free of charge to those aged eighteen and over, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced. The Prime Minister announced the free vaccines policy during an address to the nation yesterday, in which he stated “the Government of India itself will buy 75 percent of the total vaccine production from vaccine manufacturers […]
Reinfection with COVID-19 unlikely to cause deaths
A study has found that those reinfected by COVID-19 often present with severe symptoms, but are unlikely to be fatal. The study, conducted by the All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi analysed “breakthrough infections” — or the small number of vaccinated individuals who are still reinfected by a disease. Conducted over the […]
COVAX gets boon from multi-billion dollar commitment – but India’s absence leaves a hole
The COVAX facility designed to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines received a boost earlier this week to the tune of US$2.4 billion, following a summit where countries and private donors made the mammoth commitment. Nonetheless, the facility still reels from India’s step back understandable though it may be. COVAX is jointly led by the […]
Covaxin trials to start among minors
Trials of Covaxin, India’s indigenously-manufactured COVID-19 vaccine candidate, are set to begin among young people to test its immunogenicity, reactogenicity, and safety. Trials among those aged between twelve and eighteen years are set to commence across five institutes throughout India. The institutes in question are the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bihar […]
Rural health infrastructure in a state of disrepair
It is no secret that India’s rural healthcare infrastructure is in a state of disrepair. However, the extent to which this is the case is a major cause for concern. A recent article in India Today notes that many healthcare facilities in rural areas have simply been abandoned or repurposed, instead being used for other […]
COVID-19 cases rapidly decline in official figures
India’s COVID-19 figures have been on a consistent decline for nearly a month. However, we are far from safe to celebrate. While the news of a consistent decline in new cases may come as a welcome relief, it cannot be denied that the second wave has exerted a considerable toll on India. Deaths in the […]
COVID-19 fuelling antibiotic resistance
India has long dealt with the encroaching danger of antibiotic resistance. Has the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this situation? Reports indicate the answer is yes. India’s second wave of COVID-19 came at a far faster pace than the initial rise in cases in the country. As such, health systems across the country were overwhelmed – many […]