COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological advancements are being availed readily to win over the crisis. Give an account of how technology was sought to aid management of the pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic, while devastating, also became a catalyst for the rapid adoption of technology in public health management. From surveillance to vaccination, technology was the backbone of India’s response, helping to manage the crisis on an unprecedented scale.
Early in the pandemic, technology was crucial for surveillance and containment. The Aarogya Setu mobile application was launched for contact tracing, using Bluetooth and GPS to alert users if they had come in close contact with an infected person. This was complemented by GIS mapping of containment zones to monitor and control the spread of the virus.
In healthcare delivery, telemedicine emerged as a game-changer. E-Sanjeevani and other private platforms enabled millions to consult with doctors remotely, reducing the burden on overwhelmed hospitals and minimizing the risk of infection for both patients and healthcare workers.
The most monumental technological achievement was the CoWIN (Covid Vaccine Intelligence Network) platform. This digital backbone managed the entire vaccination drive for a billion-plus population. It handled citizen registration, slot booking, and the generation of verifiable digital vaccination certificates, ensuring a transparent and organized rollout.
Furthermore, technology played a key role in public administration and information dissemination. Drones were used by law enforcement for surveillance of lockdowns and for spraying disinfectants. Government portals and social media were used extensively to combat misinformation and provide citizens with real-time updates and authenticated information, proving to be a critical tool in winning over the crisis.
Answered By:
Harsh Raj
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Important Questions from GS3
Examine the pattern and trend of public expenditure on social services in the post-reforms period in India. To what extent this has been in consonance with achieving the objective of inclusive growth?
What are the causes of persistent high food inflation in India? Comment on the effectiveness of the monetary policy of the RBI to control this type of inflation.
Explain the role of millets for ensuring health and nutritional security in India.
What is the present world scenario of intellectual property rights with respect to life materials? Although, India is second in the world to file patents, still only a few have been commercialized. Explain the reasons behind this less commercialization.
What were the factors responsible for the successful implementation of land reforms in some parts of the country? Elaborate.
