Hyderabad: Lauding the government's move of enforcing a nationwide lockdown to arrest the spread of COVID-19, PHFI chairman Prof K Srinath Reddy said that testing only those who are exhibiting mild to severe symptoms is the right approach in India, as it is impossible to test the nation's entire population.
Reddy, who is also the advisor on public health to the Andhra Pradesh government, expressed confidence in Indian companies, who have stepped up efforts to develop a vaccine to COVID-19.
Excerpts:
The US and China are facing a severe healthcare crisis. How did we fare in containing the virus spread? What could be the aftermath of this lockdown?
The condition in India is different from that in other countries. I would advise the people to exercise extreme caution as the nature of this virus is unknown. Imposing a nationwide lockdown is a laudable move. It is evident that this move has successfully curbed the extent of spread. The measures taken by the central and state governments have yielded some positive results.
Is the current testing rate sufficient in a country like India with 130 crore population?
It is nearly impossible to test 130 crore population. Testing people with mild to severe symptoms is the right approach. There is no point in using up all our resources for testing alone.
What kind of research is being done to control the virus?
Several Indian companies have come forward to develop a vaccine. It may take 18 months to develop a vaccine or find a cure. India is capable of making any kind of drug. We have the history of developing a low-cost hepatitis vaccine and exporting it to other countries.
Is the genetic material of nCoV that originated in China different from that in India?
There will be mutations when the virus breaks out on a massive scale like in the case of COVID-19. But there are fewer chances of changes in genetic material. The difference if any, is negligible.
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What role does MedTech Visakhapatnam play in the manufacture of medical equipment? Will it be a key player in healthcare and pharma?
MedTech is going to play a crucial role in the future. We are looking at manufacturing medical equipment not just for domestic needs but also for international export. Medical equipment can be manufactured at lower costs. This healthcare crisis is the right time to develop low-cost equipment.
There are rumors that China’s testing kits can transmit the virus?
There is no chance of transmission through testing kits. But their quality standards are a cause of concern. We need to conduct quality checks before importing them. The state governments will take the final call about these kits.
How do we control the virus spread?
People need to be alert even after the lockdown. Until a vaccine is developed, social distancing is of utmost importance. We could control the spread through confinement measures. But the virus is still here. We have no choice but to follow safety measures for a year or two. The elderly and other high-vulnerability groups must be careful as they are at greater risk for infection.
What is your take on the proposal to include COVID-19 in school curriculum?
It seems imperative to educate the younger generation about personal hygiene. After COVID-19 happened, it is advisable to educate children on how to prevent future viral outbreaks.
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