B.A LLB (HONS.

)/ FIRST SEMESTER- OCTOBER 2021

RESEARCH PAPER

TOPIC- GLOBAL PANDEMIC AND ITS EFFECTS ON HEALTH

SECTOR

SUBMITTED TO:
MS. VRINDA MOHAN

SUBMITTED BY:
SALONI CHOUDHARY
ROLL NO. - B027
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1Introduction

2Research methodology

(i)Statement of problem

(ii) Review of literature

(iii) Objectives

(iv) Hypothesis

3 Effects of covid on physical health

4 Effects of covid on mental health

5 The health sector preparedness to handle the pandemic

6 Role of health care workers against covid-19

7 Myths and confusions regarding covid

8 Precautions and measures

9 Conclusion

10 Bibliography
 INTRODUCTION
Pandemic impacted almost every sector around the world. This research paper examines the
impact of pandemic on health sector, the health sector preparedness to handle the pandemic, and
the role of social workers in the fight against covid-19. Covid19 pandemic is a major issue that
has changed the millions. Here we will be discussing pre and post Covid effects on people,
myths and confusions of life of people regarding covid and lastly precautions and safety
measures to deal with covid.

A disease which was emerged in Wuhan, china has now affected almost every country in ruthless
manner. This is for the first time in history that a health crisis leads to entire shutdown of global
economy. Our health care system was not prepared for such unpredictable, large-scale health
challenge that requires urgent resources to cure people. During infectious disease epidemics,
social distance is a proven mitigation approach for slowing transmission rates. COVID-19,
caused by SARS-CoV-2, quickly grew into a pandemic and was designated a worldwide health
emergency by WHO on January 30, 2020. 2 Even in many high-income nations with low
population density, developing preventive techniques to reduce the virus's fatality rate has been
difficult.The Indian government imposed a statewide lockdown beginning March 25, 2020, as a
preventative precaution against the COVID-19 epidemic in India, despite the fact that there were
only 519 confirmed cases and nine reported deaths. Despite widespread skepticism about the
world's greatest shutdown, maintaining social distance in India is a monumental task. In India,
living circumstances vary greatly; population density ranges from an average of 1202–54 000
people per square mile in places such as Mumbai, and India is home to 17 percent of the world's
population. Given the threats that India faced if COVID-19 affected the country at the same rate
that it affected Italy and other nations, the Indian government needed to move quickly with such
a strategic choice. As population mobility from inside and beyond India continued to increase the
number of cases,5 the lockdown had to be prolonged three times, referred to as lockdown phases
1–4, and conditional easing of the lockdown is currently underway. Due to geographical
disparities in COVID-19 cases, the 739 districts in India (average population 1.7106, but can
range from 57103 to 4 x 106) were also colour coded as red, orange, and green throughout
phases 2–4, with the red zone reflecting the greatest doubling rates.12

1
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7817386/pdf/bmjopen-2020-043590.pdf
: Raman R, Rajalakshmi R, Surya J, et al. Impact on health and provision of healthcare services during the COVID-19
lockdown in India: a multicentre crosssectional study. BMJ Open 2021;11:e043590. doi:10.1136/ bmjopen-2020-
043590
22
COVID-19 pandemic and challenges for socio-economic issues, healthcare and National Health
Programs in India, 2 (2021),
https://reader.elsevier.com/reader/sd/pii/S1871402120301600?token=7F285A89B3A486954011
D30CABF573EAFB89E81AC2657D59184411B08072C8890AC5BC3B4D1B492919404859C13
A4C78&originRegion=eu-west-1&originCreation=20211207162322 (last visited Sep 1, 2021).
 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
(i)Statement of problem Corona virus disease (COVID-19) is a viral infection caused
by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The majority of those infected with the virus will develop mild to
moderate respiratory disease and will recover without the need for specific treatment. Some,
though, will get very ill and require medical treatment. People over the age of 65, as well as
those with underlying medical diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic
respiratory disease, or cancer, are at a higher risk of developing serious illness. Anyone of any
age can become very ill or die as a result of COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a
knock-on effect on the diagnosis and treatment of other diseases. Social distancing and
lockdowns have reduced diagnosis rates of infectious diseases such as seasonal influenza. Other
infectious diseases like malaria, HIV and tuberculosis were put on the sidelines. Following the
statewide lockdown, the Indian economy suffered from high unemployment and a sharp drop in
growth. The early introduction of lockdown reduced the doubling rate of cases and gave time to
upgrade essential medical infrastructure. Asymptomatic testing, public-private collaborations,
and technical advancements will be required until a vaccine can be created and delivered in
India.

(ii)Review of literature References for this review were identified through searches on
PubMED, Ovid MEDLINE, and EMBASE from 1 December 2019 to 7 May 2020, by two highly
experienced librarians at Children’s Hospital Bambino Gesù by using relevant terms related to
2019-nCoV, COVID-19, and SARS-CoV2 in neonates and children (Supplementary Material 1).
Reference lists of the articles identified by this search strategy were also searched. Earlier reports
were not excluded, especially if they were highly cited articles. Only articles published in
English were included in this review. Three hundred and seventy-four papers were published in
PubMed, 117 in Ovid MEDLINE, and 119 in EMBASE. Among them, 73 were deemed relevant
to the purposes of this review (PRISMA flowchart Supplementary Material 2).34

(iii)Objectives Following a surge in cases of corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in

June 2020, India became the third-worst affected country worldwide. This study aims

(A) To analyse the impact of pandemic on health of people physically and mentally and
preparedness of health sector to combat covid-19.

(B) To analyse the role of health care workers against covid and myths of people regarding
covid-19.

3
https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus#tab=tab_1WHOcornavirusdisease
4
Goel, Isha et al. “Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in India: An analysis of policy and
technological interventions.” Health policy and technology vol. 10,1 (2021): 151-164.
doi:10.1016/j.hlpt.2020.12.001
Reaserch hypothesis

1. Healthcare will become part of a country’s critical infrastructure

The Covid-19 epidemic reminds us that healthcare is a crucial component of a country's
infrastructure. Health-care spending will be considered as an investment in a country's
development and competitiveness, rather than as an annoyance. As a result, the
development of the healthcare system, together with maintaining ecological sustainability
and the expansion of digital infrastructure, will become a fundamental problem on the
long-term agenda for each country's progress.
2. Facts instead of opinions
During this epidemic, science is witnessing a revival as a vital counsellor to policymakers
and the public. In a crisis, meticulously rational, scientific scenario analysis, option
weighing, and rigorous solution formulation prove to be superior than speculation,
supposition, and views. What this epidemic has made clear is that science and technology
are the foundation of medicine – and the illusion that medicine is a sort of art is eroding
further.
EFFECTS OF COVID 19 PANDEMIC ON PHYSICAL HEALTH
COVID19-related morbidity and death in India are mostly attributed to co-morbid disorders such
as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, the early beginning of NCDs,
which is frequent in India, puts even younger people at risk for COVID19.

COVID19 has the potential to disrupt India's health and healthcare systems in a variety of ways.
Ghoshal et al, for example, employed predictive models to anticipate that the duration of
lockdown is directly proportional to the deterioration of glycemic control in diabetic patients, as
well as a rise in diabetes-related comorbidities. An already overcrowded public healthcare
system will be taxed even more by a rise in diabetes-related complications. Furthermore,
patients' COVID19 severity may be exacerbated by uncontrolled glycemia and increased
cardiovascular consequences.

Because to inadequate physical activity, increased snacking, and intake of calorie-dense foods,
the lockdown might potentially be a cause of weight gain during the COVID19 pandemic. In an
observational research undertaken by our group, carbohydrate consumption and snacking
frequency rose by 21% and 23%, respectively, while exercise duration was reduced in 42% of
patients and weight gain was seen in 19% of type 2 diabetes patients [22]. Obesity and weight
gain may exacerbate COVID-19 (30) and increase the chance of developing diabetes and
cardiovascular disease in the future.

Other illnesses, some of which had exhibited a promising trend in their control until recently,
might also be on the rise. Infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), tuberculosis
(TB), and malaria-related fatalities, for example, might rise by 10%, 20%, and 36% over 5 years,
respectively, compared to a scenario without the COVID-19 pandemic [23]. There are a variety
of causes for this, including the discontinuation of antiretroviral medication (ART), delays in
diagnosing and treating tuberculosis (TB), and decreased preventative initiatives, including the
cancellation of malaria net programmes

The economic recession, might exacerbate malnutrition. Loss of daily wage earnings or
joblessness might make it difficult for low-income persons to purchase even essential food
products. Inadvertently, this would have a negative impact on the most vulnerable population,
notably children and pregnant women, erasing past advances made via maternal and child health
and nutrition-related National Programs. Roberton anticipated that in low- and middle-income
countries, coverage of critical maternal (e.g., prenatal care, delivery care) and child (early
childhood immunization) health treatments would decrease by 98%–519%, while the prevalence
of wasting would rise by 10–50%. The authors emphasised that even the most severe scenario
 (coverage reductions of 98%–185% and wasting rise of 10%) would result in significant extra
child and mother mortality, 2,53,500 and 12,200, respectively, during a 6-month period.5

5
COVID-19 pandemic and challenges for socio-economic issues, healthcare and National Health
Programs in India, 2 (2021),
https://reader.elsevier.com/reader/sd/pii/S1871402120301600?token=7F285A89B3A486954011
D30CABF573EAFB89E81AC2657D59184411B08072C8890AC5BC3B4D1B492919404859C13
A4C78&originRegion=eu-west-1&originCreation=20211207162322 (last visited Sep 1, 2021).
 EFFECTS OF COVID 19 PANDEMIC ON MENTAL HEALTH
Research has shown that epidemics can have a wide and deep psychological influence on
people. An epidemic can be dangerous even for those who aren't mentally sick inducing
psychiatric symptoms; in those with pre-existing psychiatric problems, Their problems might be
increased and their mental issues could be worsened.

Their carers are distressed as a result of their behaviour. Regardless of the level of
exposure, Individuals may be afraid of falling and anxious about it.

Unwell or dying, hopelessness, or blaming the sick. This has the potential to cause a mental
breakdown. There have been significant mental morbidities discovered to anxiety, despair, panic
attacks, and physical symptoms and signs of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)

Delirium, psychosis, and even suicidality have all been reported; It's linked to being younger and
having more self-blame. In individuals who are grieving the unexpected and devastating death of
loved ones as a result of the current epidemic, the inability to find closure can lead to bitterness
and resentment. Patients and others who are quarantined may endure feelings of guilt,
humiliation, or stigma. According to studies, people who are quarantined for a longer amount of
time have a higher frequency of psychological discomfort, and it is also connected with an
increased prevalence of PTSD, which is linked to depressive symptoms. In the community, there
is suspicion of others in terms of disease propagation and the government' and health services'
ability to limit the outbreak. With the discontinuation of community services and the collapse of
work industries, which have a negative influence on the economy, many persons suffer financial
losses and face unemployment, exacerbating their bad feelings.

At the international level, populations impacted by the epidemic may be blamed and stigmatized
by other nations because to fear of infection, which may restrict cross-national commerce and
foment more conflict. Because pre-existing depression and anxiety disorders can amplify
feelings and lead to greater rumination on catching the virus, individuals' behaviour and social
relationships with others can be fundamentally modified. Psychological reactions are linked to
certain health-seeking activities. During the SARS crisis in Hong Kong, a community poll of
uninfected persons indicated that those with a moderate degree of anxiety and a greater sense of
the danger of catching SARS were more inclined to take extensive, preventive steps to protect
themselves against the virus. Nonetheless, emotions of helplessness and fear can often lead
people to employ untested procedures and therapies that might be harmful to their health.
Medical responders, especially first responders such as paramedics and ambulance personnel, as
well as healthcare workers (HCWs), have been observed to experience heightened stress and
become emotionally affected and traumatised, as well as greater levels of anxiety and depression.
This is understandable given the increased danger of infection and anxiety caused by increased
exposure. There is also concern that they will infect their loved ones and children. In many
HCWs, the delicate balance between professional obligation, altruism, and fear for oneself and
others produces tension and dissonance.

HCWs who work in emergency departments, critical care units, and isolation wards have a
higher chance of acquiring unfavourable psychological outcomes than those who work in other
job categories, according to research. This might be due to their close contact with infected
patients as well as the strenuous nature of their job. According to a Singaporean study, doctors
and single people are more likely to acquire mental symptoms than nurses and married people. A
comprehensive assessment of the impact of disasters on the mental health of healthcare workers
showed common risk factors for the development of psychological morbidities, such as a lack of
social support and communication, maladaptive coping, and a lack of training.

There is no agency in the present epidemic that prepares and coordinates psychological
interventions for the country and its people. Consider include psychiatrists and mental health
specialists on the COVID-19 Task Force to advise the government on mental health policy and
psychological intervention. At the time of writing, hospitals, polyclinics, and SSA are
functioning in silos to provide psychological therapies to patients, resulting in resource waste and
lower efficacy of their interventions. It would be beneficial for hospitals and the SSA to
synchronise their aims and efforts by engaging in case discussions and training together.
Community health workers can be educated to better diagnose and manage patients'
psychological discomfort. Case talks can help to ensure that patients' treatment is transferred
seamlessly between hospitals and community programmes.

Internal migrant worker is a vulnerable community for the development of severe, acute and
chronic, adverse mental health consequences due to COVID 19 pandemic. Considering the
detrimental occupational angle, which enhances the vulnerability, the mental health community
should prepare themselves for handling the challenge of an upsurge in the psychological illnesses
 among this occupational community. Mental health is a critical aspect that needs to be addressed,
making it imperative to initiate steps against the psychological ill effects.67

6
Mental Health Strategies to Combat the Psychological Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019
(COVID-19) Beyond Paranoia and Panic, 4 (2021),
https://annals.edu.sg/pdf/49VolNo3Mar2020/V49N3p155.pdf (last visited Apr 14, 2020).
7
Ranjana Choudhari, COVID-19 Pandemic: Mental Health Challenges of Internal Migrant
Workers of India, 54 SSRN Electronic Journal (2020),
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S187620182030366X (last visited Dec 2020).
 THE HEALTH SECTOR PREPAREDNESS TO HANDLE THE
PANDEMIC
The first COVID-19 case was discovered in India on January 30, the same day WHO proclaimed
it a public health emergency of worldwide significance. Nearly two months later, India went into
lockdown. After a 10-week shutdown, India began a gradual restoration of its economy on June
8. With Unlock 1.0, the nation is attempting to strike a balance between efforts to revitalise the
economy and coping with increased caseloads and new hotspots. On June 30, the official
COVID-19 case count was over 585,000, including over 17,500 fatalities. While recovery rates
have increased to 60% and the death rate is surprisingly modest given that India is the fourth
most-affected country in the world, COVID-19 in India is nowhere near its peak.

India started monitoring as early as January 17, even before the first cases were officially
identified. This was followed by a slew of travel warnings and restrictions, as well as measures
to repatriate and quarantine Indian nationals who had arrived from overseas. However, low
testing rates have always been a significant disadvantage. When the curfew and lockdown were
implemented, just 6,500 samples had been analysed countrywide, and the daily testing capacity
was only 1,400 samples in mid-March. Over 1,000 laboratories with a daily testing capacity of
more than 300,000 samples have boosted testing capacity in recent weeks, although testing rates
remain low. According to the FIND database as of June 14, India tests around 4,100 persons per
million, compared to a global average of more than 29,000 tests per million.

India went into complete lockdown on March 24 after a 14-hour "Janata Curfew" test run; at the
time, India had just 500 confirmed COVID-19 cases and less than ten deaths. Millions of low-
income migratory labourers and daily wage earners were severely impacted by the unexpected
shutdown. With no savings and no supervision or financial assistance from the government,
these employees and their families suffered food instability and difficulties, prompting many to
trek hundreds of kilometers to home communities. The deaths of migrants in road and rail
accidents grabbed headlines, as did accounts of migrants leaving quarantine camps owing to
congestion and unsanitary conditions. The economic impact of the lockdown on migrants was
lessened by the government's distribution of rations, however this was accomplished more than
45 days after the lockdown.

Aside from health policy, India's slow economic reaction is a major issue. The $110 billion
Atmanirbhar Bharat ("Self-Reliant India") stimulus plan unveiled in May is not insignificant; it
is equivalent to 10% of India's GDP. However, it mostly consists of monetary interventions to
supply liquidity with a longer-term goal of stimulating the economy. The $23 billion Pradhan
Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana relief package falls short in terms of funding responses and relief
measures targeted at the poor and vulnerable because it mostly reallocates funding across
existing budgets or allows people to make advance withdrawals on their social benefits rather
than mobilising additional funding. India must do more to assist the families of low-wage
employees who have been displaced from their occupations as a result of the shutdown and the
declining economy.8

8
How well is India responding to COVID-19? (2020), https://www.brookings.edu/blog/future-
development/2020/07/02/how-well-is-india-responding-to-covid-19/ (last visited Jul 2, 2020).
 ROLE OF HEALTH CARE WORKERS AGAINST COVID-19
Social work profession provides unique services to the people during disaster, pandemic and
other public emergencies. Despite the huge number of confirmed infections and deaths attributed
to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are millions of people reported to have recovered from it.
Many of the survivors will require as well as find their way in palliative and/or non-curative care
services. In this situation, social workers are to provide the best and most compassionate care
that can possibly be provided. Social workers must step on to the role of creating awareness as
well as combating myths about the pandemic, fear and stigma in intense environments.

Older persons are the most at risk group for COVID-19 and social workers' role must be that of a
counsellor, educator and referral linkage to the health care facilities. Social workers are to
explore leveraging on and promoting kinship care and support practices as an alternative
mechanism to meeting the welfare of older people. The International Federation of Social Works
(IFSW), 2020 noted that as a profession, the social workers' responsibility is the advocacy for
health and social service system strengthening and advancement. Effective communication,
orientation and educating the public on the pandemic is a very important role that must be played
by social workers in the light of this development. Also, most especially in communication
during the outbreak of a pandemic such as COVID-19, majority of messages are misleading and
could cause more harm to the ignorant population.

The social work profession is rich in values and historical legacies, and social workers are well
positioned to respond to emergent public health disease epidemics such as COVID-19.

Despite the fact that the role of social workers in outbreak/emergency management is overlooked
in the curriculum of social work education, the application of required skills in the outbreak of a
pandemic goes a long way in positively impacting the lives of vulnerable populations as well as
society at large.

Social workers have important responsibilities to play in response to the COVID-19 epidemic
because it necessitates critical thinking from the social work field. This includes providing
adequate social support to the general population, as well as specific at-risk populations such as
infected patients, quarantined individuals, medical professionals, and so on; advocating for social
inclusion for the most vulnerable; raising awareness about the pandemic; and implementing
mental health supporting strategies and community-based strategies to support resilience and
psychologically vulnerable individuals and groups during the pandemic. Furthermore, the
psychological impact of fear and anxiety caused by the rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic
must be clearly recognised as a public health priority for both social workers, authorities, and
policymakers, and clear behavioural strategies to reduce the burden of disease and the dramatic
mental health consequences of this outbreak must be quickly adopted and implemented.
 This provides the social work profession with an excellent chance to truly set the stage for future
interventions, to put itself in a unique position to solve difficulties, and to leave indelible traces
in the hearts of victims and survivors of catastrophes and pandemics such as COVID-19.9

1. 9 Afomachukwu Okafor | Peter Walla (Reviewing editor) (2021) Role of the

social worker in the outbreak of pandemics (A case of COVID-19), Cogent
Psychology, 8:1, DOI: 10.1080/23311908.2021.1939537
 Myths and confusions regarding covid
Even scientifically educated professionals are tempted to trust sensational, myths, and anecdotal
data in this era of COVID-19 epidemic, especially when it comes in the shape of a constant
onslaught on social media. The storey of chloroquine (CQ) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ)
exemplifies widespread 'herd mentality.' Because doctors (and even patients) in India are familiar
with these medications, having used them to treat tropical ailments such as malaria and
amoebiasis, it was 'simple for them to believe' in their 'magical powers.' When the initial reports
of these chemicals' 'efficacy' came in, we were swamped with requests for COVID-19
prophylactic rather than therapy, despite the fact that there was no proof of its usefulness. At the
same time, India's main scientific research institution, the Indian Council of Medical Research
(ICMR), announced a hastily produced guideline for COVID-19 prevention, approving the use of
HCQ in high-risk contacts. Surprisingly, no other health organisation in the world has given such
directive till date.

Following the ICMR instruction for COVID-19 prophylaxis for Indians, there were lengthy
lineups in front of medical shops purchasing these medications, even without a prescription. This
'herd attitude' of using HCQ as a 'prophylactic medicine' was also evident within the physician
community, despite the fact that most of them had never met a COVID-19 patient. As a result,
people who truly required HCQ (for example, for rheumatoid arthritis) were unable to obtain it.
Only a few people voiced concerns about the absence of proof of CQ or HCQ in human studies
for COVID 19 mass prophylaxis.

Meanwhile, in India, herd mentality persists; social media is still dominated by questions on how
to take these pills and their dosages. Surprisingly, while individuals are still passionately
involved in such discussions, little attention has been paid to the harmful 'herd behaviour,' such
as not eating a balanced diet, exercising, or socially isolating oneself. Despite major spread of
COVID-19 in other countries following such events, mass gatherings continued during lockdown
(e.g. herds of migrants returning to their native places from cities, herds of people gathering in
religious assemblies, in meetings of 'super spreader' preachers, and clustering at marriage
ceremonies).

In India, messages to prevent 'herd mentality' (blindly following untrustworthy advice regarding
prophylaxis and treatment) and 'herd behaviour' (e.g., attending religious and social events with
celebrities, preachers, and others) must be strongly communicated to all segments of society,
including physicians.10

Singh, Awadhesh Kumar, and Anoop Misra. “Editorial: Herd mentality, herds of
10

migrants/people, and COVID-19 in India.” Diabetes & metabolic syndrome vol. 14,4 (2020): 497.
doi:10.1016/j.dsx.2020.05.004
 Precautions and measures
Since the epidemic has not yet reached its apex, the full scope of policy actions required to
control COVID-19 is unknown. Longer-term investments in health infrastructure, continuity of
routine health services, and improved health emergency preparation are essential. To stimulate
development and solve increasing unemployment, India will need to gently modify expenditure,
attract industrial investments, and manage rising unemployment. However, India may expect to
stay in crisis mode for the foreseeable future. Based on the present state of COVID-19 and the
lessons learned from its first reaction, India should prioritise the following five measures:

✓ Maximize testing capacity: India can accomplish this fast by using the private sector's
capability for laboratories, test kits, and supplies. However, the government will need to
boost the density and capacity of test sites and laboratories, as well as strengthen
procurement and supply chains. Domestic PPE kit manufacture in India has been a huge
success storey, giving grounds for confidence.
✓ Assist poor workers: Steps to help poor migrant workers include programs offered by
the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation in their 2017 report. These
policies include provision of affordable housing, emergency employment schemes, and
access to social entitlements and service provisions. The recent announcement on
provision of essential food supplies to 800 million people is a step in the right direction.
✓ Provide continuous health care services: To avoid a recurrence of vaccine-preventable
diseases, infectious diseases, and chronic illnesses, important critical health services and
disease programmes must be maintained on a regular basis. To increase surge capacity
and assure continuity of health service, both the federal and state governments should
seek to grow strategic investments and collaborations with the business sector,
development partners, and community health workers.
✓ Take immediate steps: Impose reasonable social distance, adequate quarantine
protocols, enforced mask-wearing and hand hygiene practises, as well as better detection,
containment, and mitigation.
✓ Provide careful supervision: Introduce and enforce national data privacy rules to
enhance India's response to health emergencies and protect against data privacy concerns.
11

11
How well is India responding to COVID-19? (2020), https://www.brookings.edu/blog/future-
development/2020/07/02/how-well-is-india-responding-to-covid-19/ (last visited Jul 2, 2020).
 CONCLUSION
Pandemic impacted almost every sector around the world. COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2,
quickly grew into a pandemic. Indian government imposed a statewide lockdown beginning
March 25, 2020, as a preventative precaution against the epidemic. COVID19 has the potential
to disrupt India's health and healthcare systems in a variety of ways. An overcrowded public
healthcare system will be taxed even more by a rise in diabetes-related complications.

Obesity and weight gain may exacerbate COVID-19 and increase the chance of developing
diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The economic recession, might exacerbate malnutrition.
Loss of daily wage earnings or joblessness might make it difficult for low-income persons to
purchase essential food products. Inadvertently, this would have a negative impact on the most
vulnerable population, notably children and pregnant women. Delirium, psychosis, and even
suicidality have all been reported; It's linked to being younger and having more self-blame. In
the community, there is suspicion of others in terms of disease propagation and the government'
and health services' ability to limit the outbreak.

An epidemic can have a wide and deep psychological influence on people. There have been
significant mental morbidities discovered to anxiety, despair, panic attacks, and physical
symptoms and signs of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) In individuals who are grieving the
unexpected and devastating death of loved ones as a result of the current epidemic, the inability
to find closure can lead to bitterness and resentment. With the discontinuation of community
services and the collapse of work industries, many persons suffer financial losses and face
unemployment, exacerbating their bad feelings. Psychological reactions are linked to certain
health-seeking activities. Pre-existing depression and anxiety disorders can amplify feelings and
lead to greater rumination on catching the virus.

Social work profession provides unique services to the people during disaster, pandemic and
other public emergencies. Millions of people are reported to have recovered from the COVID-19
pandemic. Many of the survivors will require as well as find their way in palliative and/or non-
curative care. Social workers are well positioned to respond to public health disease epidemics
such as COVID-19. This includes providing adequate social support to the general population
and specific at-risk populations. The psychological impact of fear and anxiety must be clearly
recognised as a public health priority.

India may expect to stay in crisis mode for the foreseeable future. The government should
prioritise the following five measures:. Maximise testing capacity, provide continuous health
care services, and help poor migrant workers. Introduce and enforce national data privacy rules
to enhance India's response to health emergencies.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7817386/pdf/bmjopen-2020-043590.pdf
: Raman R, Rajalakshmi R, Surya J, et al. Impact on health and provision of healthcare services during the
COVID-19 lockdown in India: a multicentre crosssectional study. BMJ Open 2021;11:e043590.
doi:10.1136/ bmjopen-2020-043590

2. COVID-19 pandemic and challenges for socio-economic issues, healthcare and National Health
Programs in India, 2 (2021),
https://reader.elsevier.com/reader/sd/pii/S1871402120301600?token=7F285A89B3A486954011
D30CABF573EAFB89E81AC2657D59184411B08072C8890AC5BC3B4D1B492919404859C1
3A4C78&originRegion=eu-west-1&originCreation=20211207162322 (last visited Sep 1, 2021).
3. COVID-19 pandemic and challenges for socio-economic issues, healthcare and National Health
Programs in India, 2 (2021),
https://reader.elsevier.com/reader/sd/pii/S1871402120301600?token=7F285A89B3A486954011
D30CABF573EAFB89E81AC2657D59184411B08072C8890AC5BC3B4D1B492919404859C1
3A4C78&originRegion=eu-west-1&originCreation=20211207162322 (last visited Sep 1, 2021).

4. Mental Health Strategies to Combat the Psychological Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019
(COVID-19) Beyond Paranoia and Panic, 4 (2021),
https://annals.edu.sg/pdf/49VolNo3Mar2020/V49N3p155.pdf (last visited Apr 14, 2020).

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