A unified command is crucial for the Government of India to ensure there is clarity, no confusion in handling a crisis. Explain (200 Words)
Refer - Indian Express
Enrich the answer from other sources, if the question demands.
IAS Parliament 4 years
KEY POINTS
· Both in handling H1N1 and now COVID-19, political leadership has been of a very high order. In fact under COVID-19, given the gravity of the epidemic, the PM is leading the fight.
· But still the Health Minister must meet the state Health Ministers and ensure a more coordinated approach. What is most important to note is that in matters of infectious diseases we must have one strategy, one approach, and one focal point of leadership
· There is need for a guideline of who and when lockdowns should be enforced, and what preparatory work needs to be done, because at all times balance needs to be maintained.
· Infectious disease control is in the concurrent list of the VIIth Schedule.
· That means that the Union government lays down the strategy, the protocols and the standards for implementation. The states are only to implement. It is a centralized activity with little room for variance or innovation at the state level.
· by the virus.
· Unified command, all agencies must only work to support the Ministry of Health and there must only be one voice so as to ensure no confusion and have clarity.
· There is need for a guideline of who and when lockdowns should be enforced, and what preparatory work needs to be done, because at all times balance needs to be maintained.
· There is a need to institutionalise response mechanisms for coping with such outbreaks. We cannot afford to reinvent the wheel every time a new epidemic hits us. Such institutionalization down the line can only happen when there is an institutional mechanism for it such as having a Department of Public Health.
· Tertiary and secondary care cannot prevent an epidemic, as prevention and limitation is to be done before the patient gets into treatment from secondary or tertiary hospitals. These levels, however, can play a major role in limiting fatality by providing effective treatment and good patient care. Keeping and adhering to infection control practices can help limit spread of infection.
