India did better than other countries in dealing with Omicron epidemic: Ministry of Health

The global Covid case spike caused by the Omicron strain reached a peak six times higher than prior waves, but India was able to contain it, resulting in fewer hospitalizations and fatalities than past surges, according to the government.

According to the Union health ministry, India contributed only 0.21 percent of worldwide cases in the week ended March 15, with 3,536 cases recorded on average.
Many nations are still seeing an increase in instances that is bigger than prior spikes, according to the report.
“Not only was the stated high in India substantially lower, but the constant efforts also resulted in a rapid decline.”

During a webinar on India’s Public Health Response to Manage COVID-19, a health ministry official noted, “The country controlled the Omicron spike far better than others.”
During the third wave in India, officials reported that an expedited vaccination campaign, along with excellent containment measures and early case identification, resulted in fewer hospitalizations and fatalities.

They claimed that by December 31, 2021, when the first symptoms of the third wave appeared, India had already vaccinated 90.8 percent of the eligible population with the first dosage and 65.4 percent with the second, saving lives.

Officials claimed India had delivered more than 180 crore vaccine doses, which is 3.2 times that of the United States and 12.7 times that of France, in less than a year.

According to the government, at least the first dosage has been given to 96.74 crore adult recipients in India, which is 2.96 times the population of the United States and 6.71 times the population of Russia.

It further said that 81.52 crore people are completely vaccinated, which is 3.83 times the population of Brazil and 12.13 times that of the United Kingdom.

“India has been able to decrease the number of deaths by focusing on early identification, smooth admission, and good application of clinical care guidelines,” an official stated in a meeting with NGOs.

NGOs were vital in reducing community anxiety, eliminating vaccine apprehension, motivating people for vaccines, testing, facility admission, outreach to the vulnerable population, and, most importantly, delivering accurate information, he added.

The ministry emphasised that timely immunisation, face mask use, and Covid-appropriate behaviour are still the new normal.

It also stated that maintaining progress made in the long-running struggle against COVID-19 requires sustained engagement with NGOs.