President Kovind warned that the intensity of the epidemic has subsided, but the coronavirus is not yet gone.
President Ram Nath Kovind addressed the nation on Saturday ahead of the 75th Independence Day. In his speech, he said that the country is yet to come out of the devastating effects of recurrence of corona virus this year and it is time for extra care and caution.
Addressing the nation on the eve of India’s 75th Independence Day, he said, “We will not let our defense down. Vaccines are the best science has to offer to us.” He said the second wave strained the country’s public health infrastructure.
The reality is that no infrastructure, even that of advanced economies, can withstand a crisis of such a large proportion, Kovind said.
“Efforts were made on a war footing to bridge the gap. The leadership rose to the challenge, and the government’s efforts were complemented by initiatives from states, private sector health facilities, civil society and others,” he said.
Kovind warned that the intensity of the pandemic has subsided, but the coronavirus has not gone away.
“We are yet to come out of the devastating effects of its recurrence this year. Last year, with the extraordinary efforts of everyone, we were able to bring the spread of the infection under control. Our scientists were able to develop vaccines in a very short time. were,” the President said.
He said that due to new forms and other unforeseen factors, the country faced a terrible second wave.
“I am deeply saddened that at this stage of an unprecedented crisis many lives could not be saved and many suffered heavy losses. I speak for the entire nation when I say that I convey the grief of all affected families with equal intensity. I share with you.” Kovind said.
He said that science is combating this invisible enemy of terrible might at a remarkable speed.
“We can take solace from the fact that more lives have been saved than those lost. It was our collective determination to overcome the challenge that helped us weaken the second wave. Once again Our corona warriors, doctors, nurses and health workers, administrators and others risked everything to prevent the impact of the second wave,” Kovind said.
The President said that in this extraordinary mission, foreign nations generously shared essentials, such as India reaching out to many countries with medicine, equipment and vaccines.
He said that due to these efforts the nation breathes a sigh of relief with the return of normalcy.
“If we’ve learned our lesson well, we know it’s time for extra care and caution. We won’t let our defenses down. Vaccines provide the best possible protection for us,” Kovind said. Kovind said.
He said, “As part of the world’s largest vaccination campaign going on in our country, more than 500 million fellow citizens have been vaccinated so far. I urge all eligible citizens who have to get vaccinated at the earliest and Inspire others too.” .
Kovind said the economic impact of the pandemic is as devastating as its health impact.
He said the government is concerned about the lower-middle class and the poor as well as small and medium industries.
Kovind said that it has been sensitive to the needs of laborers and employers, who are facing difficulties due to the lockdown and movement restrictions.
This year too, the government had distributed food grains to around 80 crore people in May and June, he said, adding that “this benefit has been extended till Diwali”.
“Besides, the government has announced a new stimulus package of Rs.6 lakh 28 thousand crore to promote selected Covid affected areas. Notably, it is heartening that an amount of Rs 23,220 crore in a year Expenditure is being made for expansion of medical facilities,” Kovind said.
He said that it is heartening that rural India, especially the agriculture sector, is progressing against all odds.
“The series of agricultural marketing reforms will empower our ‘Annadata’ farmers and help them get better value for their produce,” Kovind said.
Inputs from PTI
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