The COVID-19 pandemic is sweeping across the world and here in India. While the number of cases continues to rise across the world, the overall number of deaths attributed to COVID-19 is also rising. The fatalities reported by regions varies widely.
India has reported over 5 million cases and over 80,000 deaths till 16th September. The pandemic has stretched the capacities of health systems globally. Several countries, including developed countries, have witnessed an overwhelming of their health facilities.
Health systems have grown increasingly complex, with multiple stakeholders, and tasked with meeting the health aspirations of populations. The pandemic response has brought public health functions to the limelight. There is much sharper appreciation of the public health roles performed by the various actors in the health system.
The Indian health system has demonstrated a well-coordinated response with a relatively lower case fatality ratio than other countries. The public system has led the COVID-19 response with a strong emphasis on testing, contact tracing, surveillance and health promotion. The health departments have recognised the role of epidemiologists in responding to the outbreak. Routine surveillance activities were widened to bring the complexities of pandemic surveillance within its ambit.