Learning during vaccination drive
The vaccine drive in India kicked off with health workers as the first priority. We have seen that many people face some kind of problems especially those with allergy problems. Since health workers, especially the doctors and nurses are well versed with all manners of symptoms, we must make use of this knowledge. A detailed questionnaire must be filled before and after the vaccine is administered listing out key factors like past allergies, etc.
Further, whether any supplement like Vitamin C and D, etc and if alcohol was consumed and, if so, when stopped, etc. The database must then be analysed in consultation with the recipient and a proper protocol established for a seamless conclusion of the drive.
This will come in handy at the time of vaccinating the elderly, especially our leaders who are all over 60. While the world over, the leaders showed the way by taking the first jab, in India the leaders are rather bashful. Even the 94-year-old Queen of GB took the jab!
Perhaps this is a sign of change and leaders will now not seek right of way and, in Goa, the front seats at the Old Goa Feast Mass, restricted during the pandemic.
R Fernandes, Margao
Govt must realise people’s power
Rallying under a unifying theme Ek Pavl Ekacharachem (A step towards unity) a host of organisations came together and used the celebration of Opinion Poll Day to vent their spleen against the State government for its dictatorial attitude and anti-citizen policies.
The vexatious Centre sponsored linear projects also found a mention with people taking an oath to escalate their protests until the projects were consigned to the dustbin of history. They also vowed to hinder and ultimately to get the process of land acquisition for railway double tracking scrapped. Also it was demanded that destructive projects to be handled by MPT under the Sagarmala plan be annulled forthwith.
It was also stressed that coal and tourism cannot co-exist and that the verdure and vibrancy of the state will be lost if the Centre imposed its diktat on the State and pushes through projects which will bleed Goa through a thousand cuts and will ultimately kill it.
The State government would be well advised to take cognisance of the people's ire and mend its ways lest it be voted out of power. The powers that be should learn from the Melauli imbroglio that in a democracy, ultimately the people are supreme.
Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim
Vaccination drive, a good start
India kept its tryst with immunity, with over two lakh health workers getting inoculated on day one. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the countrywide COVID-19 vaccination drive through video-conferencing. Manish, a sanitation worker, earned the distinction of becoming the first recipient of the Covid vaccine in the country, at AIIMS in New Delhi.
Touted as the world's most extensive vaccination drive, an estimated 300 million people in the country will line up for a shot in the arm.
NJ Ravi Chander, Bengaluru
Guidelines on vaccination needed
It is learnt that a number of no-shows were recorded as Covid-19 vaccination centres in the State on Saturday. Those who did not take the jab included those who were just recovering from Covid-19 and those who had a history of allergies. It seems desirable for the government to come out with guidelines for the vaccination programme.
These guidelines need to include advice on vaccination of pregnant women, and lactating mothers, vaccination of those with comorbidities, vaccination of children, infants and newborns. Should those with flu like conditions wait till the symptoms subside? What about those who have a history of allergies? What are the possible temporary discomforts that can be expected after getting a jab of the vaccine? Is travelling long distances advisable after vaccination? How long should a person rest after receiving the vaccine? What are the facilities available if a person develops an allergic reaction? Will the health history of the person be checked before giving the jab? Should those who have undergone a major/minor surgery be advised to get vaccinated?
Will the authorities maintain a data bank of all those who have received the vaccine? Will a second dose of the vaccine be necessary? Are those who have received the jab being given a vaccination card? Will spot registration for the vaccination be allowed in the hospitals? Will those who have received the vaccine have to continue wearing the mask? If not how will the cops decide whom to penalise for not wearing the mask?
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Vaccination, the beginning of the end?
Our nation has begun one of the world’s biggest Covid-19 vaccination campaign with the prime minister, Narendra Modi, kickstarting the colossal campaign with a national televised speech.
Now it is time once again for our Covid warriors our health and medical professionals and workers, the administration bodies, the law and order departments and all those who worked day and night for months together fighting against the virus and saving millions of lives to be vigilant and make the common man aware of some very important matters they ought to keep in mind once they get the jab.
Many may be of the opinion that once the vaccination is received they are safe from the infection but it is a wrong belief. Medical studies state that two doses are absolutely necessary for the body to get immunised. Let us also not forget that after the second dose it takes at least four weeks for the body to really get immunised. So until then it is highly necessary for an individual to take all precautionary measures as of now.
Those in the medical profession also emphasise that the norms we follow now are highly necessary for some more months even as vaccination goes on. Social distancing, wearing masks, sanitising, avoiding crowded situations etc, are truly required for some more months to reduce the spread of infection and gradually put an end to it.
M Pradyu, Kannur
Democracy needs sincere leaders
A democratic form of government is good, since it helps even the poorest of the poor to participate in decision making. But, for democracy to thrive we need humble and sincere leaders, who can listen to everyone, and ensure freedom. For our India to develop our citizens must have proper education, healthcare facilities, proper food and shelter. One should not attribute the poverty we face, to the size of the growing population. A bigger population is always a blessing, if we sincerely make an effort to tap the power of their human resource.
Former PM Dr Manmohan Singh had wisely introduced the MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) to ensure our poor people get a decent employment. Good leaders always find ways to lessen the burden of their citizens. If any nation has to progress, we need to ensure the citizens have the freedom to express themselves, to practise their faith, and to participate in governance. Empowerment of the poorest the poor, helps the nation to overcome challenges. Listening to the woes of the citizens, and a good justice system helps the democracy to flourish. A proper vision and unity of purpose can do wonders. Development should reach everyone. Respect for human life, and care of the nature is very much needed.
Newton Mendonca, Aldona