Decentralised COVID-19 management spurs innovative measures in Kerala

Mmany Panchayats have launched help desks and war rooms to keep track of bed occupancy and oxygen availability

With Kerala decentralising its COVID-19 management strategy, enterprising local bodies have gone beyond predetermined guidelines to set innovative examples to help contain the coronavirus spread. While many Panchayats have launched help desks and war rooms to keep track of bed occupancy and oxygen availability, some have brought private entities together for the benefit of the local populace. In Kozhikode’s densely-populated Azhiyoor Gram Panchayat, the authorities have collaborated with medical stores to deliver medicines to residents’ doorsteps. Besides bringing succour to the indisposed, the initiative also prevented the public from coming out in large numbers for medicines.