COVID-19 in India: The Impact and What Happens Next
The novel coronavirus pandemic has changed the world significantly. In India, the impacts of COVID-19 have been felt just as hard. Here, we discuss the impact of the coronavirus in the country and what to expect in the upcoming months.
What has Been the Impact of COVID-19 in India?
At the start of 2020, India was already facing several public health challenges, including a weak health infrastructure and high levels of air pollution. Additionally, the country was contending with a poverty rate of approximately 21%. With the rising coronavirus cases in India, these challenges have been amplified and aggravated. The pandemic is disproportionately affecting its most vulnerable citizens.
Impact on Economy
The economic downturn in India has been drastic. Many of the country’s citizens had already been facing monetary distress prior to the pandemic and have been disproportionately affected in its wake. A significant decrease in India’s GDP has been observed; India’s 2020 annual GDP growth rate estimates have nearly halved since COVID-19 began.
Impact on Public Health
The economic crisis has been accompanied by a healthcare crisis as well. India has seen a sharp rise in the number of coronavirus cases in recent months; the total count has now exceeded 8.2 million. In response, India’s government imposed a strict nationwide lockdown, lasting almost two months. As a result, income among the poor fell drastically and food became scarce, leading to an increase in malnutrition.
The lockdown has also caused India to suffer a high increase in the rate of unemployment. This is particularly difficult for the informal sector, which is largely unorganized, and consists of by far the largest part of the country’s workforce.
The government has implemented several measures to prevent the spread of the virus, such as borrowing from the Reserve Bank to strengthen health and welfare measures, as well as implementing various stimulus packages. These efforts, however, have been noted to be insufficient for providing for the population.
Impact on Mental Health
Apart from large-scale economic and health impacts, the pandemic has also had severe consequences for the mental health of the Indian population. With mandatory lockdowns imposed all over the country, there is a sense of social isolation and helplessness in towns and cities all over. Moreover, due to the prejudicial attitude towards COVID-19, many people still refuse to get tested, which increases the risk of them unknowingly infecting others.
The impact on children has been particularly prominent; they are struggling with online classes and are unable to spend time with friends. In this same vein, the elderly have been deeply affected by the widespread physical distancing; social distancing has proven to succeed in stopping the spread of COVID-19, but it has also left many elderly people cut off from the world.
What Happens Next?
As the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise, there is no clear forecast for India’s near future. It is clear, however, that the repercussions of the pandemic will last for a while and the government needs to take more serious measures to combat the virus.
Strategies to Strengthen the Healthcare System
It is necessary to strengthen India’s health infrastructure and provide more comprehensive treatment and care services. India’s current health infrastructure is inadequate to meet a world crisis like Covid-19. The country needs to invest in more dedicated facilities and increase the number of qualified healthcare personnel.
In addition, more innovative and affordable diagnostics must be developed. This would allow people to access testing more easily and have access to timely medical intervention.
Economic Stimulus
The government must also implement new economic policies to support the country’s economy and ensure its citizens maintain a steady quality of life. The stimulus package must include jobs for those affected by the economic downturn, as well as access to credit, social protection, and international trade facilitation.
Mental Health
Initiatives
In these unprecedented times, it is necessary to prioritize mental health as much as physical health. The government must promote initiatives for mental health awareness; these would involve providing psychological counseling, as well as access to reliable information about the virus.
The coronavirus pandemic has had far-reaching ramifications in India. To protect the wellbeing of its citizens, the government must take swift action to provide healthcare and economic support to mitigate the virus’s impact. Furthermore, the government must take initiatives to promote the mental health of its citizens and provide resources to combat the isolation and helplessness felt by many.
