The ongoing crisis is beyond any imagination, with the Covid-19 second wave growing into a tsunami. While Delhi is bearing the brunt of it, the situation is no less alarming in the states of Maharashtra, UP, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh and Kerala. Several other parts of the country are witnessing fast-growing infection rates as well. People are scared everywhere, and it's a human crisis that calls for solidarity. The Centre, states, and we the people of India – everyone must come together at this moment.

Last week, in a welcome step, several healthcare and industry federations came forward to support the government in its vaccination drive so that last-mile delivery for the entire population can be scaled up. Their recommendations include incentivising manufacturers to scale-up production, inviting new national and international players in manufacturing, empowering manufacturers to release vaccines in the open market, etc. The government should give an urgent attention to these suggestions.

Meanwhile, the cumulative number of COVID19 vaccine doses administered in the country has crossed 14.19 crore, according to official figures. As on Day-100 of the vaccination drive (25th April, 2021), 9,95,288 vaccine doses were given. 6,85,944 beneficiaries were vaccinated across 11,984 sessions for 1st dose and 3,09,344 beneficiaries received 2nd dose of vaccine. If we can speed up the drive further to cover at least some 60-70 percent of the population, it will definitely be a decisive move in our fight against the pandemic.

No doubt, the Covid crisis has exposed the poor state of our public health system. Also, couldn't this second wave be averted if Covid-19 protocols and social distancing norms were followed appropriately for some more time! The ongoing crisis should serve as a lesson for the future. Today, life and living both are at stake, and this crucial situation demands bold, decisive and coordinating steps from our policymakers, straining every nerve in the fight against Covid-19.

I invite your opinions.