In the previous article, last week, we saw how society as a whole has been affected by the pandemic. We also saw who were the most vulnerable and were affected the most. On the other hand, we heard of altruistic efforts by famous personalities like Sonu Sood for assisting in transportation and Gautam Gambhir in providing free food, medicines, oxygen cylinders to Delhiite’s. NGOs like Khalsa aid stepped in with Langars. Thousands of other large and small NGOs also contributed immensely in many, many ways. Individual efforts of the middle class were also notable. From making masks at home to providing sanitary products to poor girls, from developing apps for assistance or designing low-cost ventilators/ oxygen cylinder distributors, their efforts went largely, unnoticed.
The most vulnerable still need help to just feed themselves and survive. Before discussing the various ways one can help these vulnerable persons, also overcome future waves of the disease safely, let’s see the sequelae of this malady on our society.
SEQUELAE OF SARS-COV-2
Short Term Sequelae – The systems collapse is well known to the readers, I wouldn’t like to open the raw wounds of many of our readers. Yet, to recapitulate briefly-
- Hospitals. Shortages galore- beds, oxygen, ventilators
- Govt efforts for tracing, testing, and quarantine
- Drugs shortages
- Vaccines shortages
- Disposal of dead and cremations
- Transport- Ambulances and Hearst vans
- Post Lockdown jubilation and tourist overload
Long Term Sequelae – Long-term effects of the disease, lockdown woes, and other social effects are now showing up in all societies.
- Hunger and undernutrition
- Unemployment
- Homelessness
- Stress, anxiety, depression leading to suicides and violence
- Increase in monetary crimes like snatching, vehicle thefts, robberies and more financial cyber-crimes
- International travel restrictions
- Medical care for other diseases and children’s vaccinations
- Pandemic related waste accumulation and pollution of soil, water and air
WHAT CAN WE DO?
The first issue is preparation for the next wave so that we can remain physically healthy and mentally fit to plan for the next wave. The time-tested formulae of wearing masks, social distancing, frequent hand washing is to be strengthened with two doses of Corona vaccine. Only if we are well prepared, can we think of helping others.
VARIOUS WAYS OF HELPING
- MONEY to vulnerable persons, directly or through NGO.
- Gift of TIME for helping the vulnerable.
- FUND RAISING and starting a help group.
- Providing technical or scientific SUPPORT to the vulnerable.
- BUSTING unscientific MYTHS related to disease and vaccines, not only amongst the vulnerable but also amongst the ignorant so that the next wave can be avoided.
SPECIFIC WAYS OF HELPING
- Support locals, especially servants, vendors, press-wallah, cobblers and others.
- Donate old clothes, blankets and bedding.
- Setup/ Donate unused medicines which have not expired.
- Help govt/ NGO run homes for blind, orphans, destitute women/ senior citizens.
- Help semiliterate relatives of outstation patients in hospitals.
- Distribute masks (including homemade) and soap.
- Help poor children with:
- FOOD by guiding them to free langars.
- Guide parents for free government vaccines for children.
- Donate old, used smartphones to poor school-going children.
- Chaperone the disabled and the elderly to hospitals/ vaccination centres.
- Reach out to known persons whose earnings have dwindled or supporting member has expired.
Above listed acts are not even one tenth of what one can do at the personal level. In fact, if an individual so desires and puts in focused efforts, he/ she can help a large number of those who need it most. Delhi High Court has upheld the right of Good Samaritans in providing help to needy patients, including free medicines or oxygen cylinders. Petitions against individuals or NGOs have been turned down on this count.
