In this update we cover the following themes: 1. Making Sense of the numbers: Where are we in the epidemic curve 2. The lock-down and its sheer brutality 3. Do lock-downs work? 4. Health system preparedness 5. The peoples movement responseTo read the full weekly update in English- CLICK HERE To read the full weekly update in Hindi- CLICK HERE
We, Jan Swasthya Abhiyan and All India People’s Science Network are extremely concerned at the way the Government has announced the nationwide lockdown in an arbitrary and poorly prepared manner without notice, which has had serious implications especially for poor and vulnerable sections. The total clampdown on public and other forms of transportation, which threatens the health and lives of the people, are of particular concern. Global evidence as also reiterated recently by the World Health Organisation (WHO), indicates that lockdowns by themselves will not break the chain of infections, but must be accompanied by other measures. Read Full Statement-CLICK HERE
From our interaction at state level, we are deeply concerned that the preparations are patchy, slow, and selective. In our enclosed advisory, we have put together the very many aspects on which all state governments and the state governments needs to take immediate action. We demand that urgent action be taken on each and every one of these suggestions. We also call on you to include representatives of our organizations in monitoring the pace and comprehensiveness and quality of preparation. Read Full Statement- CLICK HERE
The JSA and AIPSN draw the attention of the public and the media to the major crisis that has developed in health worker safety due to the lack of PPEs. Not only will the healthcare staff be at higher risk of getting the infection, widespread infection in healthstaff would sharply decrease the capacity of the country to delivery health care services in both the public and private sector. To Read Full Statement- CLICK HERE
This post will contain links to submissions and statements by state level units of JSA. Submission to CM by JSA Karnataka- CLICK HERE Press Statement on Denial of Healthcare to Critical Patients and Sudden Discharge from Hospitals without Alternate Arrangements by JSA Delhi – 9th April- CLICK HERE
Unless the government policies provide relief to the vast population who now have no surety of livelihood, this pandemic might have far greater consequences than just being a public health crisis. The steps to counter this pandemic have to be more emphatically and sensitively directed towards the most downtrodden who stand to face the greatest threats on all fronts. The humanitarian distress caused by the lockdown and other measures imposed in the hope of containing disease spread may well lead to more lives lost than the disease itself unless there is immediate action taken by the government. The peoples movements therefore call for the following minimum set of measures. To read the statement- CLICK HERE
We are outraged at these responses of Haryana to the MHA notification, reinforcing the movement of the migrants as a violation of lockdown, imposing penal orders to criminalise the migrants. Further, the mass spraying of disinfectant on migrants returning home is not only a cruel act of violation of their dignity, it can have serious repercussions for their health. Read Full Press Release- CLICK HERE
We call upon the Government of India and the State governments to ensure that the following are ensured during the period of lockdown for all its citizens, with a special focus on those who are vulnerable. Read full statement- CLICK HERE
Advisory 1: For workers who cannot avoid going out during the pandemic Advisory 2 – Keeping your hands Coronavirus free Advisory 3 – Protecting yourself in crowded places English- CLICK HERE Hindi- CLICK HERE Telugu- CLICK HERE Bangla- CLICK HERE
We, public health practitioners, medical professionals write to you with regard to the plight of the people in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh in the current context of COVID-19. We urge you to urgently consider restoration of 4G internet services in Jammu and Kashmir as well as Ladakh with immediate effect. According to reports, health professionals are unable to or delayed in accessing the important guidelines and updates on not just the prevalence of COVID-19, but also on the latest guidelines and breakthroughs issued by the Government of India, the World Health Organisation (WHO) regarding testing and treatment for people suspected of being exposed to the virus or who are infected with the virus. The very slow internet speed due to 2G services veritably makes access to data, which is extremely urgent in such a situation, nearly impossible. To read full statement- CLICK HERE
