As the Prime Minister announced free ration supplies for the months of May and June, sighs of relief were taken by the down trodden and economically weaker sections of the society. The essential commodity like food grains is a must for such categories in these trying times but the stress needs to be laid more on medical facilities without which thousands of people are dying on a daily basis now.
The newly announced ration scheme, coming under the ambit of PM Gareeb Kalayan Ann Yojana, is without doubt a welcome step. But what is more needed at the current times is an adequate supply of oxygen, medication and vaccination jabs.
The central government must ensure that the hospitals and nursing homes are adequately equipped with the essential medical machineries and life saving drugs like Remidisivir that can save the lives of the people besides free ration supplies. Furthermore, a speedy vaccination drive can solely deliver us the herd-immunity that is prerequisite in our fight against Covid-19.
Regrettably, there have been some heart-wrenching incidents at various cities in India wherein the deficiency of oxygen supply resulted in the loss of many precious lives. And the fear persists, if such a thing happens here in J&K, will we be ready to face such a catastrophic situation. The answer is a clear-cut no.
Though, we may be bragging about high standards of the health facilities available at SKIIMS, SMHS or elsewhere, the fact remains that in comparison to the wrath of this enormous Second COVID wave, such facilities are minuscule and highly deficient.
As always, it is the restrictive and pre-emptive measure that can solve this deadly jigsaw and allow us to pass through these hard times. However, if we remain still persistent in adapting mediocrity and delinquency, history shall hold us responsible for our own doom.
