IMPRI Team
This panel discussion was related to the working experiences of various professionals especially in the wake of the second wave of COVID in Indian villages. It was organized by the Center for Habitat, Urban and Regional Studies (CHURS) and “Impact and Policy Research Institute, New Delhi” on 20th May 2021 by the joint efforts of “Parmarth Sevi Sanstha” (Uttar Pradesh). This discussion was another episode of the “Panel Discussion” being organized by the institute for all the states of the country, whose central point should be the rural reality of the states of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and the issues related to it.
This program was initiated by Ritika Gupta (Assistant Director) of “Institute of Impact and Policy Research”. Dr Simi Mehta (Chief Executive Officer and Editorial Director, Impact and Policy Research Institute) while preparing the background for this panel discussion, while welcoming all the visitors said that the goal of this is to find out by presenting a proper discussion. What is the present status of the second wave of COVID in the states of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and what are the efforts being made at the ground level by various stakeholders in this regard?
The list of eminent panellists who mainly participated in this panel discussion is as follows- Dr Smt. F. Kazmi (Executive Director, NGO “Parvarish Child Development & Health Care Institute”), Dr Sanjay Singh (Waterman of Bundelkhand, Secretary, Parmarth Samaj Seva Sansthan), Dr Yogesh Kumar (Founder Member & Executive Director, Support – Development Assistance Centre), Shri Devi Das (Farmer MG, Support), Ms Abha Sharma (Director, Judav Foundation, Bhopal), Shri Bhupesh Tiwari (President, Fellow Social Service Organization, Chhattisgarh). Mr Rakesh Paliwal (Retd. Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh) and Mrs Anjali Noronha (Fellow, Eklavya) and Dr Anshuman Karoli (Lead – Local Government, Priya, (PRIA) New Delhi) etc.
Dr. K. F. Kazmi (Executive Director, NGO “Parvarish Child Development and Health Care Institute”) also made her presence felt in this discussion, keeping in mind this second wave of Corona in the rural areas, first of all, children and women health issues based on their experiences defined on. Dr. Kazmi, a Pediatrician, shared the issue of government directives on the controversial issue of immunization of unborn babies and pregnant women, especially in the context of this second wave of Covid in the context of children. As soon as symptoms appear, asked to take them seriously.
In addition, Dr. Kazmi, based on his many experiences related to rural society and other marginalized sections (an example of community intervention in urban slums, by women in the remotest village of Betul, at the village border for the effort of their Covid-free village, Taking initiative related to admission etc.)
Presenting an excellent example of awareness of mothers/women towards their children and communities, she said that there is an urgent need to make the villagers aware of their health issues by adopting friendly and simple behavior on their health issues.
In this sequence, while taking appropriate intervention by the government, understanding the seriousness of this global epidemic, the general public is aware of the seriousness of this global epidemic, proper prevention measures and practices (applying masks, frequent hand washing, the importance of vaccination, strict adherence to government protocols etc.) Appealed to make a possible and convenient plan in order to discharge the responsibilities.
At the same time, he advised to work seriously on many real aspects related to rural society and said that there is a need to not only coordinate with the villagers, but they also need to be provided leadership at the local level because they are the only ones who are responsible for their problems. By understanding it well, you can find a better solution for it.
In her closing remarks, Kazmi first shared the government’s latest guideline, clarifying the confusion surrounding vaccination of pregnant and lactating women by another speaker. Also, analyzing the various health protection schemes and services of the Government of India (Ayushman Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana etc.) and health management system (Arogya-Setu) under their rural system – “From below Adopting the “Upward Approach”, advised the State Governments to work towards the development and upliftment of a new and healthy India and new generation.
At the same time, citing the seriousness of the governments of other countries (Germany, China, Australia and New Zealand) towards their new generation, he wished to envision a prosperous and healthy society at the national and state level as well.
Apart from this, under the rural system, various government socio-economic and monetary aids (PDS and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana etc.) Referring to the shortcomings in the context of this, she suggested to make it more strong and public welfare.
Further, she added that various health workers engaged in COVID testing work (such as Anganwadi workers involved in Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)) also face difficulties due to non-availability of Android phones during the survey. At the same time, there is a need to work towards the preparation of this second wave through community awareness and vigilance and public cooperation at the local level for rural health and sanitation.
