How Kejriwal's "Delhi Model" improved pandemic situation.

Every state needs a structured model and a plan of action to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. One model that has been in the limelight is that of Delhi.

There is fair reason for it too. The Union Health Ministry’s initial set of guidelines had allowed only very mild and pre-symptomatic patients to home isolate. After a surge in cases the guidelines were revised in July, which allowed asymptomatic patients to home isolate as well. The Delhi model, however, focused on home-isolation from the beginning.

The Delhi model was also widely appreciated at the beginning of August, by PM Modi as well as the South Korean Ambassador.

What is the Delhi Model?

The model focuses on 5 key points: 1.  Increased testing 2. Home isolation of mild cases 3. Availability of hospital beds 4. Transparency of data 5.  Plasma therapy 

What are the benefits of this model?

Patients with mild or no symptoms are allowed to isolate at home. They are provided oximeters and have consult their doctor twice a day. If there is no improvement in their condition then they will be shifted to COVID-CARE hospitals. This has helped reduce strain on hospitals and helped make more beds available for the severe cases.

The government has ensured that there is an increase in testing. From 18-20,000 tests per day, the authorities have conducted an average of more than 59,000 tests per day over the course of the last 10 days.

Due to the fact that home isolation is allowed, more people opt for COVID tests as the fear of remaining alone in a hospital no longer exists.

The Government expenditure also reduces to an extent, as they are required to pay every Government owned and acquired hospital for every COVID patient. If only severe cases requiring hospital assistance are admitted, their expenditure reduces. Data transparency is present as well, the number of free and occupied beds is available on the Government’s official website as well as on the Delhi Corona App. The number of cases are reported on a daily basis by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The recovery rate is commendable. As per the DEA’s Monthly Economic Review, Delhi reported a recovery rate of more than 85% in August.

Are other states following the same model? The Centre had shown its intent to replicate the model for other states towards the end of July, but the approach towards implementation of home isolation can be called sluggish in a few areas.

The effectiveness of the model may be questioned considering the rise in the number of positive cases, but that is bound to occur with an increase in testing and the Unlock process.

Overall, the Delhi model is an effective and practical approach towards treatment of the virus. Whether it plays an active role in curbing its spread can only be judged in the long run.

Delhi stands at a total of 2,46,711 reported, 32,097 active cases and 2,09,632 recoveries as of September 21, 2020.

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Writer: Juhi Goyal

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