Combating pandemics in India – A comparison study between the 1918, 2009 and 2019-2020 pandemics

Abstract

Out of the many pandemics and epidemics that India has gone through in the last two centuries, two pandemics have been chosen-the 1918 Influenza pandemic and the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, to be compared with the current state of affairs with the Covid-19 pandemic. Critical review and analysis of pandemic preparedness and India’s response to the three pandemics was made through PubMed cited articles, exclusive reports from the Government in 1918, and authentic news coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic in line of healthcare, logistics and communication. Increase in healthcare facilities, laboratory services and research capacities noted through the three pandemics. Better surveillance methods and improved awareness of the public observed over the years. The readiness of the country for emergency measures with some inequalities discussed. Three different pandemics have been compared with an adequate interval between them barring the factor of healthcare inequity and virulence of the respective organism. It should be noted that there is no single solution for combating pandemics. Combined measures put together can help towards facing them with ease the next time around.