A Panel Discussion at Bangalore International Centre (BIC) on May 17, 2023 looking back at the COVID-19 response. This was a reflective session aimed at analyzing the global and local response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It brought together experts from public health, medicine, and policy to discuss what worked, what failed, and how to prepare for future health emergencies. The discussion was not just about the virus but about the structural integrity of health systems. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bDcJ6YetqTY?si=mqRLc7VqXjukqbFc" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> **The Intersection of Health & Social Systems** I argued that pandemics cannot be viewed solely as biological events. Health systems are deeply intertwined with social and ecological systems. The pandemic exposed these links, showing how social inequality directly correlates with health vulnerability. **techno-managerialism harms** A key argument presented was the limitation of purely technological interventions (like apps for contact tracing or vaccine distribution) in a society rife with digital and social divides. Technology often exacerbates exclusion if not paired with robust on-the-ground governance. Future pandemic preparedness must prioritize social governance and equity over "silver bullet" tech solutions. **Invest in primary health care** The discussion highlighted the neglect of primary healthcare in favor of tertiary care. The pandemic response was often top-down. A more resilient system relies on decentralized, community-embedded primary care that can respond faster and more equitably. Investment must shift towards strengthening local health infrastructure and community engagement mechanisms. **Health Inequity as a Systemic Flaw** The pandemic was a "stress test" that the system failed for the marginalized. The takeaway is that health equity must be a foundational goal of health policy, not an afterthought. ## See Also * **[DH Changemakers](file:///Users/prashanthns/.gemini/antigravity/brain/76b2efc7-82a4-4341-beda-2aa1259e0bac/dh_changemakers.md)**: A practical case study of making health systems responsive in tribal contexts. * **[IAVI Community Engagement](file:///Users/prashanthns/.gemini/antigravity/brain/76b2efc7-82a4-4341-beda-2aa1259e0bac/iavi_community_engagement.md)**: Further discussion on the limitations of top-down policy and the critical need for trust. * **[Master Index](file:///Users/prashanthns/.gemini/antigravity/brain/76b2efc7-82a4-4341-beda-2aa1259e0bac/master_index.md)**: Browse all themes and talks.