HMPV calls for collective action

As the world is still in the recuperating phase and most of the countries are on the recovery path from the virulent pain inflicted by the Covid-19 in terms of economic slowdown and breakdown of administrative and health systems, the news of HMPV(Human Metapneumovirus) outbreak in China casts gloomy light on the nations across the world. Nothing has taught the modern nations a lesson more than Covid-19 pandemic. On the one hand, it has unearthed the flaws of modern political machinery at all levels of government and on the other hand, it has brought to fore the systemic and structural Achilles heels’ of the capitalist system that were concealed for a long time under the blanket of profit maximization and optimal utilisation of resources.

Short-term plans

It is axiomatic to state that governments across the world lack an action plan as in the case of natural disasters to act during the times of outbreaks. Similar to natural disasters, the viral outbreaks need plans with respect to preparedness, strategic implementation and management and recovery to build a resilient and robust health architecture. Since the Third World nations lack sophisticated health care systems as compared to their western peers, it is vital on the part of them to be prepared for medical emergencies during times of uncertainty. Going by the patterns of the economic recovery aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Third World nations lag behind the western players. Massive unemployment complemented by economic lethargy has become the order of the day amongst the Third World players. Though the imposition of lockdown appears a handy and convenient tool in the hands of political authorities, it is not wise and appears foolish if one looks at it from the economic lens. Moreover, it isn't feasible going by the interconnectedness and interdependence of the modern global world. It is no brainy to say that the costs involved in fighting the pandemics outweigh the costs involved in preparedness. It is also worth mentioning here that cooperation between the nations across the world is crucial to fight this kind of medical exigencies. Common guidelines across the world serve the nations to attain homogeneity and predictability. While it is normal for the central governments to act according to their own needs, it is essential to arrive at certain common measures and guidelines to avoid mismanagement at the global level. What was lacking during the fight against Covid-19 is a basic and common framework at the international level in aspects such as international travel, medical supplies and other areas of interest. It is clear from the Covid-19 experience that the western powers, especially the US, didn't play the role that they were supposed to. It is sad to see that the US, which leaves no stone unturned when its interests are at stake, withdrew itself from the role of the ‘Big Brother’ when it actually was to play as such during the Covid-19 period. As a blessing in disguise, the vacuum left by the US withdrawal gave the forums like RIC and BRICS and players in the respective organizations to lend a helping hand to the countries that relied on the western powers for the help.

No public policy will be effective and yield the desired outcomes without an active participation from the civilians. An efficient government designs the policies that have least economic implications with maximum benefits. Lockdowns and curbs with regard to movements prove detrimental in the longer run as happened during the times of Covid-19. Rather, it is vital to educate people by massive awareness campaigns on precautionary and preventive measures. Inasmuch as the countries can't afford one more economic downturn, it is important for them to act in advance and overcome the upcoming threat with least economic side effects. The top-down approach during the Covid-19 pandemic had proved to be fatal when it comes to economic and social costs involved. Overnight imposition of lockdown and inappropriate extension of deadlines forced the regular business cycle to break. Uncertainty and unpredictability during the first and subsequent waves of the Covid-19 forced the businesses to shut their hubs. Similarly, layoffs and hire and fire policies by the enterprises brewed unrest among the hoi-polloi and beleaguered sections. As a result, inflation, owing to unavailability of raw materials, thereby, short supply of finished goods, followed by a phase of stagflation, took a toll on the economic health of the nations across the globe.

Since the governments are not in a position to extend unemployment allowance and other economic measures to the ones who lose their livelihood owing to lockdowns, it is in the economic interest of the nations not to resort to harsh measures such as restrictions and lockdowns which do more harm than good and ensure the business cycle to run as it is. Going by the vast presence of the informal sector and daily wage labourers in the Third World countries, any aggressive move can trigger the economic footings of these nations to shake, thereby causing economic distress.

Short supply of essential commodities and panic buying used to be seen as a common affair during the Covid-19 pandemic. Unavailability and unaffordability of certain medications gave the middlemen a chance to bank in on the supply side crunch. Since the tentacles of the new virus are yet to unfurl, it is wise to lay emphasis on essential items that may run short of supply.

Timely testing at a free of cost, immediate health care to the needy and increased bed strength at hospitals in addition to ensuring essential paraphernalia at the right place serve all stake-holders involved in their combat against the incoming challenge. As the medical and para-medical staff form the bedrock of the strategy, it is important to ensure they aren't exhausted and stressed out as was the scenario during the Covid-19. The extensive presence of private medical care in Third World countries provides an opportunity to the respective governments to make judicious use of this network. The existing technological infrastructure like portals and apps that were built during the Covid-19 times can be utilised to tackle the upcoming emergency.

Medium-term approach

While all the aforementioned measures may prove beneficial in the short-term, it is important for the Third World countries to chalk out a medium term plan to reinforce the health arena. While the western nations spend around 10-12% of their GDP(Gross Domestic Product) on health care, the Third World players spend paltry 2-3% of their respective GDPs. Since health care is vital for the progress and advancement of any country, the governments across the world, especially in Latin America, Africa and Asia, need to devolve enough allocations in their annual budgets towards it. Sadly, four years down the line after the Covid-19 hit the world, it appears that these nations haven't changed their perspective towards one of the critical and pivotal sectors, health. Excessive emphasis on private health care, thanks to liberal and neo-liberal approach of the present-day governments, derailed the very founding principles of these nations upon which they were formed. Economic and social equality, access to education and health, public welfare and social justice formed the central tenets in their freedom struggles against the erstwhile colonial masters. It is ironic to see that they are functioning on the ideals they once fought against.

Long term plans
The neo-liberal economics which the countries across the globe have been adopting has blurred the difference between necessities and luxuries likewise public and private goods. The variables that are deemed as crucial for the existence of an individual and significant to lead a quality life like education and health care are decontrolled from the purview of the governments and left to the private players. It is this withdrawal from the crucial sectors by the neo-liberal governments that left the survival of the common man into question. It is in the interest of an individual and the societies and nations as a whole to bring the health sector back under the control of governments and pave a path towards a health care system that is accessible, accountable and affordable.

Author:-
Samudrala VK
Director, Samudrala VK IAS Academy
Columnist on International Affairs and Trade
Hyderabad, India