Fighting odds in pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact worldwide. The outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation in March 2020. By April 11, 2020, there were over 1.7 million cases and more than 106,000 deaths worldwide.

As a result of the virus, people in India and around the world had to stay at home, and businesses and schools were closed to prevent its spread. Healthcare workers and medical staff bravely fought against COVID-19, risking their lives to save others. Hospitals became overwhelmed, and many people struggled to get the care they needed.

In Mumbai, a city with a population of 20 million, there was a shortage of ambulances and intensive care units. However, efforts were made to increase hospital beds and convert vehicles into ambulances. Despite these measures, the number of infections continued to rise.

In Dharavi, India’s largest slum, a strict lockdown was enforced, and steps were taken to provide sanitation, testing, and food assistance to the residents. Other cities in India faced challenges in their healthcare systems, and there were reports of patients dying outside hospitals due to the overwhelming situation.

Mumbai, despite its high population, managed to have a lower mortality rate compared to other cities. There was a critical night when six hospitals in the city faced a shortage of oxygen, which put 168 patients at risk. Thankfully, all of them survived. As the pandemic continued, the demand for oxygen and antibiotics increased.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned that India had overcome various challenges during the pandemic, such as border tensions, cyclones, and earthquakes. It was a difficult time, but the country managed to overcome these obstacles.