A NATION TO PROTECT

Many developed countries despite having superior infrastructure and

significant investments in public health haven't been able to tackle the

onslaught of Covid-19. It was in this backdrop that India's ability to rise

to the challenge had been written off entirely by many leading 'experts'.

Doomsday predictions were made which included mass deaths and anarchy.

However, Prime Minister Modi's robust grip on the administration changed

India's fortunes in the fight against the virus. He took absolute control of

the country's response mechanisms and streamlined systems to cut red-tape.

Led by fact-based scientific advice, the Indian government galvanized their

inheritance of less-than-adequate resources, augmented capacities rapidly

and prudently spent its reserves on the most effective solutions.

Hence, even after two waves of the pandemic, India has managed to save

more lives than most countries in the world. India has proved the cynics

wrong with one of the lowest fatality rates. As a testament to its scientific

and technological prowess, India has not only developed multiple indigenous

vaccines but is running the world's largest vaccination drive supported by

superb infrastructure. True to our nature as a nurturer, India has been acting

as the 'pharmacy of the world' by providing life-saving drugs and medical

equipment to other nations. With a staunch resolve to help all of humanity

emerge out of the pandemic, India has committed over five billion vaccine

doses in 2022 for countries in need and intends to provide more until every

human being is secure.

This book aims to be a definitive account of India's pandemic response from

the top echelons of leadership and government.