Pregnant Women in India and COVID-19
Saanvi Kunisetty
Over the past few decades, there has been a significant improvement in reducing maternal mortality in India, but COVID-19 has caused a setback for that. Now, pregnant women in India are one of the most affected and vulnerable groups of people. The lack of specialized doctors, gynecologists, resources, and medical equipment have come to only further worsen the issue. Palkan Thakur is an example of the devastating situations that these pregnant women are facing. Thakur was seven months pregnant when her throat began to itch, and she began coughing severely. Her husband tried to admit her into many, many hospitals, but all were filled. Thakur was soon coughing up blood and bleeding from her nose. She now lies in the GIMS hospital, fighting for her and her baby’s life. But, COVID-19 has even been affecting pregnant women who have a higher status, and were previously able to afford proper health care. For instance, Anshuma Chauhan, isolated in her bedroom and eighth months pregnant, came down with COVID. The doctor had to conduct an emergency C-section, and the baby was delivered safely. Unfortunately, there were not enough resources, such as ventilators, to save Chauhan. By the time a hospital opening was found, and she was rushed there, she had passed away. Part of the reason that pregnant women are more susceptible to COVID-19 is because the government isn’t prioritizing their vaccination. With countries such as the United States and Britain have prioritized expectant mothers, Indian authorities continue to say that there is a lack of urgency, and that they must discuss the issue further.
Resources:
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/23/opinion/Inda-covid-pregnant-women.html
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