Pandemic and panic attacks: Letters to The Editor

Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to ventilate my concern towards the fear of COVID-19 and the panic attacks that the people are experiencing. People aren't aware of the symptoms of this virus. Moreover, the messages that are circulated in WhatsApp makes them even more stressed. Watching news continuously, getting messages related to the virus, fear of vaccination, all these things affect mental health. This causes panic attacks. And most people are afraid of getting admitted to the hospitals. Lockdown or curfew isn't a solution as last year the numbers were still rising despite the lockdown. The way to break the chain is to get vaccinated and take utmost care. If one feels having symptoms of the virus then isolate oneself, take a test and consult a doctor before panicking.

Himadri Kalita,

Guwahati.

Healthcare imperatives

Indeed Indians have greater health consciousness and awareness, thanks to the growing technology, web apps and media.

This awareness is being translated into an unprecedented rise in demand for healthcare services. But the supply side is not matching the demand despite the outcome of the increased number of medical graduates and steady increase in health insurance coverage.

The recent pandemic calls for better government health services, especially in rural areas. Nevertheless, the health gap between the exponential rise in demand for health services and the supply going at a linear rate must be bridged with quality medical service at the earliest.

Madhuparna Mitra,

Guwahati.

Role of media

There has been a tremendous amount of media coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic since its outbreak last year across the world. It's indeed painful to see that much of the coverage is more a reflection of public fear than informative of what is happening in terms of the spread of the contagion. It's just typical of news media to use fear-inducing languages like 'killer virus', 'deadly disease', etc. Since new contagious diseases are unknown and unpredictable and hence quite scary, it should be the duty of the media towards the masses to prepare stories that seek to temper fears and provide reassurance. It hardly needs a mention that fear can do things that make matters worse. Former US President Franklin D Roosevelt rightly said — The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.

Dipen Gogoi,

Teok, Jorhat.

Governmentshould act fast

The imposition of lockdown in Karnataka and across several States is a reprieve only to fight against the global pandemic fast spreading in India now. The move comes amidst fears of further spread through the second wave and an increasing number of hotspots across various locations in India. The lockdown will now be a testing time for health experts who are otherwise continuously engaged in monitoring COVID-19 cases consistently.

The catastrophe is now an opportunity for the government and medical authorities to act fast, upgrade and ramp up the healthcare/medical infrastructure in the nation. The government now should surge ahead in implementing necessary policies aimed at improving the healthcare and medical infrastructure, including procuring medical devices, review of import and export of life-saving drugs, production of medical oxygen, setting up of adequate medical oxygen plants, etc.

Varun Dambal,

Bangalore.

BJP vaccine

In the present desperate time when the coronavirus is spreading like wildfire across the length and breadth of the country, the people are scrambling to get themselves vaccinated. The government is stretched to limit to produce more O2 and vaccine to limit the damage. Just a few months back, some crazy people, unfortunately, holding important positions aired some irresponsible statements which their followers took seriously in regards to the vaccine. The vaccine developed by the top scientists was dubbed by this gang as the 'BJP Vaccine'. Former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Akhilesh Yadav declared that the anti-coronavirus vaccine has adverse effects on sterility. It simply exposes the mindset of the Opposition. I wonder whether by this time he is vaccinated by the 'BJP Vaccine'. A simple piece of advice to people like Akhilesh Yadav that if you have nothing to do please don't do it here.

Dr Ashim Chowdhury,

Guwahati.

No accountability

It is now observed with great alarm that certain social, political and voluntary bodies are tweeting regularly against the government policies and acts. While doing so they never suggest or advise any remedial measures against the government policies or acts. Criticizing or fault-finding is perhaps the easiest job on the earth because one doesn't have any accountability. In this race, Rahul Gandhi is miles ahead of the rest and in our State, it is the AASU which is leading from the front. We as citizens condemn the AASU's role in the past and present time in regards to COVID-19. Merely uttering before the press from the comfort zone of their headquarters, Swahid Nyas will not help in these crisis hours. Apparently, in today's scenario, the AASU leaders want power without accountability. Even during the anti-CAA movement in the State, their role was under scanner.

Lanu Dutta Chowdhury,

Guwahati.

India's deficit in healthcare system

This has a reference to your editorial 'Strengthening critical care in districts' (The Sentinel, April 28, 2021). The second wave of the coronavirus has enveloped the whole of India. The outbreak of the second wave of coronavirus is noticed in every State. India continues to report over 3 lakh new cases daily and more than 2000 deaths due to the virus. While persons contracted by COVID-19 need quick and proper treatment, many government hospitals in India do not have proper facilities to treat the patients. News published in media says that many government hospitals do not have the required stock of oxygen.

India has traditionally spent less on health. In the financial year, 2020, the per capita capital medical expenditure in India was less than Rs 200 per person. The government needs to take steps to raise hospital beds and physicians in India. Accordingly, the government will have to invest more in public healthcare. At least, India should build a primary healthcare system, and the primary healthcare system proves beneficial in the long run than building a few more big hospitals in the cities. It is good to know that the government at the Centre is planning to spend 3% of GDP by 2022.

Maheswar Deka,

Rangia.