From its first confirmed case of the novel coronavirus in early February, India has now recorded over 110 infections, in the past 45 days, and the country’s first two deaths, making COVID-19 a crisis that’s growing with each passing day.

 

Last week India rushed to take contingency measures to try and limit the spread of the virus – It locked down its borders, stopped issuing new visas, and implemented mandatory 2-week quarantines for anyone arriving in India from a country with high rates of coronavirus infections.

 

But despite India’s best efforts, infections have only risen since and the question has now gone from can India limit the spread of the virus, to is India prepared to fight the novel coronavirus?

 

How did this number grow so rapidly? How are those infected being treated? And is India’s healthcare system equipped to handle a pandemic like COVID-19?

 

Let’s find out

Guests: Dr. Sumit Ray, Chairperson Critical Care Medicine and Chief of Medical Services

Dr. AP Joshi, Chief Medical Officer of ITBP

Devina Buckshee, Health Correspondent, The Quint

Host and Producer: Vishnu Gopinath

Editor: Shelly Walia