Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, today in his Mann Ki Baat asked Indians to fight unitedly against the surging second wave of Covid-19 pandemic, without falling prey to rumours. Instead, he urged fellow-citizens to seek medical guidance , get vaccinated, take proper and adequate precautions, and importantly, not panic at any cost.
What indeed was remarkable about his reiteration was that he brought in the frontline workers leading this fight against Covid-19, namely doctors, nurse ambulance driver and a recovered patient, to press home his points.
Through his chat with the two doctors, PM drew spotlight on the fact that the virus does mutate and there is nothing to be scared of. Affecting children and youth, in the new version, the recovery rate is higher and fatality low.
Further, the doctors highlighted that India offers the finest treatment of this pandemic which is inexpensive and that there is no need to rush for Remdesivir as it has a limited role and is to be used under medical guidance. In fact as compared to Europe, America, Indian patients were recovering well through these `treatment protocols.
Urging everyone to seek the correct advice, PM said; "I urge all of you if you want any information, to seek information from the right source. Contact your family doctor, doctors nearby, you should contact them by phone, many of our doctors are also taking this responsibility themselves.”
PM also made it clear that Indians should not fall in the trap of fear and that Coronavirus is not the end. The doctors stated that by following the standard operating procedures — using the mask, sanitisers, maintaining physical distancing and avoiding social gathering — one can protect self and others. Also that the Indian vaccines have an efficacy of more than 60 per cent and that its side-effects like fever, body ache are normal. It was also pointed out that one can test positive even after vaccination though the severity will be less.
Driving home these points, the PM said: “In this period of Corona crisis, all are getting aware of the importance of vaccine…so it is my appeal that don’t get swayed by any rumour about the vaccine. People above 45 years of age can benefit from the free vaccine that has been sent to all State Governments by the Government of India. I also want to say that the programme of free vaccines by the government of India that is going on now will continue further too.”
Sharing their experiences, the nursing staff, drove home the point that patients and their family need not be afraid of Covid-19 and that it can be treated with medicines and taking precautions. Based on this the PM asked the countrymen to learn from their positive attitude. “Positive Spirit is imperative to fight Corona and the countrymen have to maintain the very same positive spirit,” he observed.
The PM praised all the individuals and organisations spearheading the fight against Covid-19, and asked people to take inspiration from them and those Coronavirus affected brave hearts who fought back valiantly. On the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, the ongoing holy month of Ramzan and the upcoming Buddha Purnima, 400th Prakash Parv of Guru Tegh Bahardur and Pochishe Boishak, the Tagore Jayanti, he asked Indians to fight Covid-19 with perseverance and self-restraint.
“As a citizen, the more we perform our duties with efficiency in our lives, the faster we will move on the path of the future, free from crisis. ‘Dawaibhi, Kadaibhi’, get vaccinated and maintain all precautions and never forget this mantra.”
