Vaccine shortage in India

It is indeed ironic that India, which produces around 60 per cent of the vaccines globally, is facing massive vaccine shortages (“India’s hardesthit state Maharashtra battles huge Covid-19 vaccine shortages”, Gulf News, April 9). Vaccinations have been halted in many Indian cities, including Mumbai, due to vaccine shortages. India should have built an enormous buffer of vaccines before commencing inoculations or exporting the vaccines to 70 countries. To exacerbate problems, the new avalanche of infections has crippled the health infrastructure in many cities. Mumbai city has been garnering around 10,000 cases daily. For many days now, Maharashtra has touched a high of over 63,000 Covid-19 cases in a day. People are being treated in the corridors and lobbies of hospitals in Mumbai. It is indeed a horrible situation. Meanwhile, in Uttar Pradesh, pilgrims are flocking in millions to Allahabad for a dip in the Ganges river, without masks and social distancing. Undoubtedly, the Kumbh Mela Festival could have been postponed or cancelled this year. Whilst lockdowns are imminent under these circumstances, and they should be humane. Food and medicines should be available. Limited domestic help should be accessible. Vaccinations should continue at a furious pace, with senior citizens being inoculated at their homes. The new strain of Covid-19 should be controlled at the earliest before it takes more lives and cripples the economy.

■ RAJENDRA ANEJA

Mumbai, India