India’s COVID crisis

**Trigger Warning: Graphic Content**

India is in a crisis as the second wave of COVID-19 infects millions of people and takes countless lives. Scenes of mass death are unavoidable in the country as hospitals, morgues, and crematoriums are overrun. The death toll continues to rise at alarming rates, with an average of 3,000 deaths a day. In cities with major outbreaks, the smell of burning bodies fills the air due to the burning of funeral pyres - and the situation continues to worsen. Official accounts say there are approximately 400,00 new cases recorded per day. However, the true numbers are likely much larger. Many cases and deaths are going uncounted as much of the population, especially the poor, do not have access to hospitals or medical care. For those who are lucky enough to be close to hospitals and clinics, it is still tough to receive any care. Hospitals and clinics throughout the country are overwhelmed due to the rapid increase of cases. Many hospitals are unbearably full, forcing them to turn patients away without treatment and abandoning them to die. 

Health care worker attending to COVID-19 patients at a temporary medical facility. https://images.wsj.net/im-332960width=620&height=413&pixel_ratio=2

“Patients suffering from COVID-19 receive treatment at the emergency ward of a hospital in New Delhi, India, on April 29, 2021” [Reuters/Danish Siddiqui]

The healthcare system is standing on its last legs as hospitals and clinics also report a shortage of medicine, oxygen, and protective equipment - putting health care workers at higher risk for catching the virus. Hospitals have issued SOS notices for countries to send aid and other medical supplies. While India has been working to rapidly expand its supply of oxygen and medical supplies, the production facilities are located in eastern India, far from the state’s major outbreaks. Several patients have lost their lives due to oxygen shortages. Families of the sick are desperate to have access to medical supplies as they attempt to administer care at home; some videos even show people stealing oxygen cylinders from hospitals for their loved ones. If a family is lucky enough even to find oxygen on the market, they are forced to pay significantly more than the usual price.

Funeral pyres for COVID-19 victims burning at a mass cremation site. https://images.mktw.net/im-329600?width=1260&size=1.5005861664712778

Many Indians have called out the government for its lack of accountability as the crisis in India continues to worsen. Several people see Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s poor governance, dismissal of the seriousness of COVID-19, and faulty vaccine distribution plan as exacerbating the current situation. We are currently seeing the highest death rate in the world, leaving people desperate for vaccinations and other necessary supplies. It is essential for those of us who can help, to support India as much as possible. There are numerous funds to donate to: Give India that work to supply oxygen, ventilators, and healthcare supplies. Mission Oxygen is raising money to help hospitals across the country get immediate access to oxygen. Ambulance Network provides a safe, 24/7 network for transporting COVID patients to hospitals and delivers blood, organs, medicine, and medical supplies in India. 

-Nicole Tan