When it seemed like we are recovering from the first wave of Covid outbreak, situations got far worse with awakening of second wave. Many did predict it and we can’t deny that we did not see it coming.

Induced by Covid outbreak leading to lockdown, the issue of migrant labourers was much highlighted during the first wave. This time it is hitting masses more directly and bluntly. As central government shies away, states have taken upon themselves to enforce lockdown.

Starting with night curfews and partial lockdowns, Odisha Government exercised state-wide lockdown from 3rd May 2021. Infections are uncontainable even during lockdown. Lives and livelihoods have become a question for many with advent of ‘the new normal’. Major concern growing, is Covid pervading into rural areas. Whereas in cities and towns, healthcare infrastructures are profound, rural places lack basic health care systems.

This sense became reality when I faced a situation in early days of lockdown. On 3rd of May, I was in a meeting and I got news that one of our esteemed colleagues (late) Mr. Debjeet Sarangi of ‘Living Farm’ is suffering from Covid in Bissamcuttack, Rayagada. I was informed that he immediately required medical attention and had to be admitted in ICU. To have him transported in an equipped ambulance to Vizag (around 250+ Kms) was thought first. Due to unavailability of bed, his family and friends made huge efforts and moved him to Bhubaneswar (360+ Kms). He was admitted to a special Covid care hospital. His family was in isolation as they came in contact with him during transit.

Inside the special Covid care hospital no outside things were allowed. The doctor had asked for other medications needed for treatment but the family was not in position to move around. I volunteered to keep daily medicine supplies. Inside hospital, long minutes of wait had to be backed by doctor so that receptionist accept supplies.

Even though medicine stores were open, it was not easy to roam within the city. I had to go through blockades, police checks, and records to reach the hospital. The city police was helpful to pass me after brief enquiries.

There’s insufficient medicine supplies in market. Finding prescribed medicines has become a challenge. Medications like Remdesiver, Tacloban, Methylene blue, respiratory meter, ice blanket, Oxygen cylinder are difficult to procure. I even came across black markets dealing with these essential medical supplies. Not to mention that there’s no guarantee of these products. A few stores where medicines were available were kept for ‘reserved customers’. Fortunately, we were able to procure medicines.

It was 15th May morning. The efforts put by many people to see Mr. Debjeet recovered was in vain. He succumbed to Covid after being on ventilator for many days. Not so long after, on 19th May we lost another colleague from WASSAN Mr. Shubham due to post-Covid complications. We had to wait for 2 hours at the crematorium as all the pyres were set on fire.

My parents had taken 1st shots of vaccination offline from nearby UCHC. While booking for the 2nd shot I had scheduled it on Sunday. Post weekend shut downs there was no intimation of rescheduling it. There’s a clear gap in vaccination drive. And what about people who are digitally not familiar with these procedures?

Covid and lockdowns are tough, but are there no other solutions?