India has become the epicentre of this global pandemic and is struggling with the deadly second wave of Covid-19 infections, with an average of more than 1,00,000 cases daily from the 1st of April. This is more than any country this week and higher than the first wave of infections that peaked in India in mid-September. Unfortunately, to add to the difficulties, half a dozen states are reporting a shortage of doses while the central government insists that there is enough in stock.
Vaccine distribution has become a crucial part of the battle against the virus and is tougher than most expected. India’s population and economy have faced a huge setback once again. India’s vaccination drive started in mid-January and has had a comparatively slower start than other countries. The priorities earlier were doctors, frontline workers, and people above the age of sixty but since this month the vaccine has also been made available to anyone above the age of forty-five.
When it comes to vaccine manufacture, India is a powerhouse. It runs a massive immunization program, makes 60% of the world's vaccines, and is home to many major manufacturers, including the Serum Institute. India, which was one of the world’s biggest exporters of the Covid-19 vaccine for the first three months of the year, had temporarily stopped all exports of the vaccine as there was a shortage of vaccines in India itself.
In Maharashtra, a rising trajectory of daily new cases is seen and it has increased the demand for the vaccine. Many vaccine centres are running out of doses and are being impelled to send people back home. In Mumbai, more than 70 vaccine centres have been shut because of no supply. Maharashtra health minister, Rajesh Tope said that if the new stock of vaccines doesn’t come then they will be forced to stop the drive.
The Serum Institute of India which makes the ‘Covishield’ vaccine in India has said that the production capacity is very stressed and that they are still short of being able to supply it to every Indian. In India, more than 102 million doses have been given to the citizens but only 0.9% of India’s population is fully vaccinated.
Ever since Mumbai opened up late last year, there has been spiralling irresponsibility by the public about violating restrictions meant to contain the pandemic. There is a violent objection to the restrictions, but at the same time, there is a refusal to comply with mitigation measures such as wearing masks. This is a crucial time for all of us and it is important for us to be responsible, wear a mask, follow the rules set up by the government and most importantly avoid crowded areas and practice social distancing so that we all can hope for a brighter and safer future.
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