Indian Medical Association (IMA), the top Doctors' body in India has warned the nation that a third wave of the coronavirus is inevitable and it just about to happen if the governments and the public feel that they are scot free.
"With the global evidence available and the history of any pandemics, the third wave is inevitable and imminent...However, it is painful to note...in many parts of the country both the government and public are complacent and engaged in mass gatherings without following Covid protocols," an IMA press release said today.
"Tourist bonanza, pilgrimage travel, religious fervour are all needed but can wait for a few more months. Opening up these rituals and enabling people without vaccination to go scot-free in these mass gatherings are potential super spreaders for the Covid third wave," it said.
India has faced a severe second wave and the wound is still fresh. Many doctors also feel that suffering the badly hit economy for a few more months (until the nation gets fully vaccinated) will be better than facing the miserable situation of the third wave overwhelming the hospitals and burial grounds.
The bottomline is that India cannot afford to down the guard of protection before the completion of the vaccination drive. But are the governments and the public ready to pay attention? That's the big question!