[Outlook 2022] From inclusivity to a robust public health policy: key issues to focus this year

As we bid goodbye to yet another unprecedented year - 2021 - when India dealt with a brutal second wave of the coronavirus pandemic, it is important that we reflect on lessons learnt and unlearnt.

From shortcomings in the health sector to a blooming digital transformation, from coping with unseasonal rains and floods to India's farmers uniting against proposed farm laws, India as a country has witnessed a tremendous year in 2021. But one thing that did stand out through all the crises was the spirit of generosity and solidarity across sectors and communities, which only gives us hope for the year ahead.

With that in mind, here are four key issues that we think should be focussed upon immensely in 2022.

Inclusivity in economy

We have always heard stories of abuse against vulnerable and marginalised communities, women, and children. This year also saw attacks towards the farmer community, Dalits and other marginalised communities, such as the abusive hurls that hockey player Vandana Katariya’s family faced along with casteist slurs after the Olympic loss, as well as the assault against a Dalit family of six for entering a temple premise in Kutch. Issues of equality, on which there was already scant progress, have sadly regressed due to the pandemic. And it is time to put a stop to these.

Many social enterprises and initiatives have worked with and demonstrated how the neglected sectors in our society can be resourceful and enterprising in their own way. Take for example, Garima Greh, a shelter for the transgender community in Chennai that is providing transgenders with food and shelter; or Kerala-based Forest Post, an NGO that is creating livelihood opportunities for tribal communities. A network of minor forest produce harvesters, Forest Post makes handmade goods including beeswax, oils, bamboo baskets, and cloth bags.

If these organisations, with their limited resources and network, can make a positive impact on disadvantaged communities, imagine the scale of impact that large scale concerted efforts can go on to make.

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Combating climate crisis

Stimulated by the climate crisis, the world has been moving unevenly towards a low-carbon future. This shift is every bit as transformative as the initial adoption of fossil fuel–powered machines and electricity.

With growing awareness on the availability of finite and delicate natural resources and the long-term impact of sustainable practices, there needs to be a clear sustainability vision for every business.

This year, particularly, saw many corporates promising to go green and adopt sustainability measures. Earlier this year, Wipro announced its commitment of achieving Net-Zero Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 2040. The company plans to achieve these goals by bringing energy efficiencies, using renewable energy, and leveraging technology expertise.

Meanwhile, skincare brand Mamaearth, over the past one year, has recycled 1,135 metric tonnes of plastic, which is way more than the plastic they use. They have also been ensuring that no toxins or harmful chemicals are used in their products, with a list of 1,193 toxins on their watch out list while developing.

Also needed is a holistic system of approach that unlocks critical opportunities in the transition towards a low-carbon economy (LCE). A LCE or decarbonised economy is economy based on energy sources that produce low levels of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Public health policy

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a grave impact globally, but more so on people who were already struggling to afford basic health care.

Preparedness and response capabilities, addressing and diagnosing health hazards, informing and educating the public and strengthening and mobilising communities, among others, are a few existing health services in the country.

However, a lack of coordination between the government and health officials gave way to poor planning and response to the pandemic. To have a successful health equity, there needs to be good public health initiatives that people can rely on.

A first step towards this is to provide equal access to diagnostics, vaccines, and treatments -providing the best way to ensure people everywhere have the same opportunity to benefit from the medical breakthroughs against COVID-19 that emerged in the past year- including rolling out vaccinations for all, timely detection of cluster outbreaks, and spreading awareness about prevention.

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Curbing the digital divide

As the pandemic outbreak spread across borders, governments responded by enforcing nationwide lockdowns, forcing people indoors and adopting the work-from-home norm where possible. Over the last two years, the responses to COVID-19 have speeded the adoption of digital technologies by several years across industries and sectors, and what’s more, many of these changes could be here for the long term.

However, this has also led to a gap between those who could afford to go the digital route, and those who did not have the means or even the infrastructure. Be it businesses, education, or other industries, those who adapted to the technology fast had a large advantage over the others. The latter, on the other hand, began to struggle and suffer through the pandemic.

Many NGOs and startups came forward to help bridge this gap, such as the Aahwahan Foundation’s campaign, 'Laptop Bank', that allowed students to borrow laptops and continue their studies from home for a specific period.

While organisations, governments and individuals are going out of their way to help the affected or needy communities in the country, there needs to be proper policies and initiatives laid out to ensure that this is magnified in 2022, so that all communities and people are benefited equally.