IMPRI Team
To discuss the pertinent topic of the time, measures to tackle the spread of the second wave in rural areas and the medical condition of the poor following the Pandemic, the Centre for Habitat, Urban and Regional Studies (CHURS), Impact and Policy Research Institute (IMPRI), New Delhi and Department of Social Work, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirapalli organized a Panel Discussion with eminent panelists on “Rural Realities | Tamil Nadu Practitioners’ Experiences in Tackling the Second Wave”on May 22, 2021.
Dr. Sundaresan Chellamuthu, Professor, Madras Medical College, Chengalpattu, cited the cases of misdiagnosis of COVID that occurs in rural areas, due to the presence of incompetent institutions. The golden opportunity of early identification and treating is lost as a result. Also, some practice alternate non-tested medicines which offer no sure cure or protection. This he said can be addressed through having a clear-cut referral protocol system.
Having a clear-cut referral protocol system can be done by taking the help of teachers, nurses, and government staff. An early referral system is key to save lives and also eases the stress on the health infrastructure.
Dr. Sundaresan Chellamuthu
Concerning the need for vaccination, he claimed that to attain herd immunity 90-95% of the people need to be either vaccinated or should have contracted the virus. The vaccine allocation to the state is low and the global tender will take time to be executed. Thus, as we wait for the vaccine, the government needs to devise a detailed plan on how the vaccination drive will be executed.
