India’s successful story of the polio vaccine is quite famous. Any why not! I took some time, but today, India is blessedly free of polio. But now we have a mega task in front of us. Supplying the COVID 19 vaccine to each and every Indian citizen. How should a country and a system shrouded in bureaucracy and more layers than tree bark go about this task. And wait, before you ask, no, there's no approved vaccine yet. But we have to plan right? Which is why the Union government is taking the first steps towards preparing for a mass covid-19 vaccination programme in 2021.
A mammoth task, with several problems, funding being the largest, can be anticipated. The office of the Drugs Controller General of India has already started meeting with syringe and needle manufacturers, among other key people, to figure out the need gap. A huge number of the production is reserved for exports. But with a COVID vaccine in place, this stock will have to be used right here at home. The manufacturers, suppliers, etc. are rightly worried and seek reassurance that their inventory will not become deadstock after the vaccination program. Amidst all this are concerns of process and price. Just how will India manage to vaccinate a billion people? Everyone agrees that it should be the corona warriors - the doctors, health workers, teachers who should get the vaccine first. But who next? There are many unknowns, such as the number and efficacy of vaccines in circulation. Also, funding the delivery would require up to $10 billion, a significant amount. How will the Government provide states the necessary infrastructure to carry out this megalith of a task? Where will the money to buy or sign contracts with vaccine developers come from if and when needed? The Health Ministry has started to plan, keeping in mind various ambiguities. Besides, be it food in government schools or polio vaccinations, the Indian health apparatus has largely succeeded. We can only be hopeful once the vaccine arrives.
Why is this relevant for you, the MBA student?
No matter what specialisation you wish to get into, this is a topic you need to know thoroughly. Why? Because it could be a point of conversation during GD-PIs or case studies. Especially if you’re planning to get into consulting - this is a problem that’s going to pop up. How will you solve it. Well, we can’t give a solution, but we can point you in different directions and help you figure out a solution!
Imagine this scenario. The famous vaccine for COVID 19 is finally released, approved and made public. Yourself, among the many citizens of India, desire and decide to inoculate so that life can become somewhat normal. You find out that the government has made this vaccine free. But the government centers are full to the brim. Meanwhile, paying a certain amount ensures that you can get vaccinated at a private hospital. Which one would you choose? It would depend on your means and resources right? You would crib about the vaccine not being free of cost, but you would happily pay if it meant your chances of getting the coronavirus are lessened significantly too! Also, isn’t this a great way to not put a cess or a tax on a vaccine but ensure that you drive the user behavior your way? This also means you’re solving some of the funding problems the Government is sure to encounter for them! A business lesson is it not!
Meanwhile, you would have to look at various factors like the stakeholders involved in the process. Are they getting what they deserve? Will the supply chain be affected if the government chooses a vaccine not produced in India? Usually, contracts are formed with foreign organizations in such cases, which means extra cost incurred. Meanwhile, there’s also the fact that not all Indians have a medical record. This means if those with a medical history of heart disease, hypertension, etc. are prioritised for receiving the vaccine, not all those who need it will get it! It seems like an impossible problem.
How would you solve it? What would you do to create a lean, effective solution to the mega task of vaccinating India against COVID 19? Share your thoughts and answers in the comments section below!
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