Despite tremendous advances in science and technology, the truth in the above proverb has stood the test of time. Here, Dr A.P. Setia shares his viewpoint on the current COVID-19 situation.
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The quest for knowledge, and finding better ways, to satisfy one's sensory organs, has been an integral part of human evolution. But an occasional error, or a freak activity by an individual, may endanger the existence of the entire human race, due to its cascading chain of events.
Laxity in personal and public hygiene and open international borders has let the COVID-19 virus create havoc, and put the healthcare infrastructure under severe strain. Lifesaving machines like ventilators are falling short, even in the developed nations. The need for more investment in the healthcare sector is being understood more now then ever before. Prototypes of low-cost, and easy-to-operate devices for ventilatory support, are being fabricated by biomedical engineers, and others at unprecedented speed. Since specific medications to kill the virus are not available yet, supportive therapy remains the cornerstone of treatment, at the moment.
The basic lessons, in personal hygiene such as, sneezing and coughing etiquette, frequent hand washing, social distancing, are being learned at tremendous cost to the economy, and loss of productivity. Public hygiene vis-à-vis. sanitization of offices, institutions, malls, buses, streets, and other places, used by public, is being carried out at a pace that was never seen before.
Alas, the homo sapiens, have realised the significance of prevention, albeit, a bit too late!
In the meantime, our faces have become, 'touch me not zones', while I foresee, the need for vending machines to dispense face masks (our neo-attire), and hand sanitisers. The healthcare professionals are busy taking mini tutorials, in Donning and Doffing the personal protective equipment; a must wear, in clinical establishments, nowadays. The cleaning personnel have to cope with extra load of biomedical waste and follow the latest guidelines for the same.
In the lockdown, #stayathometosaveoneself, #workfromhome, and #learnfromhome (for school going kids) have become the buzzwords. Namaste and namaskar, are trending and replacing the friendly handshakes and hugs.
I wish and hope, by following the administrative instructions strictly, we shall be able to come out from the current pandemic. And the lessons being learned, today, shall get ingrained in our grey matter for years to come, LEST WE FORGET, #Preventionis betterthancure. And the evolved humans would become a better lot, SLOWLY!
Disclaimer- The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author's and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of M3 India.
