In Every Challenge You Can See An Opportunity, Says Dr. Velumani, Founder, Thyrocare

In these challenging times, what is keeping you positive and happy?

It is an attitude and fortunately, I have always been like this. I have seen tough and one can only progress by being positive. In every challenge, you can see an opportunity. We must look at everything happening around us as an opportunity.

Why do you say it is an opportunity?

A. Nothing can be created and nothing can be destroyed and that is a universal law. If someone suffers a loss, it is usually someone else’s benefit. If one industry is suffering, then another one will grow. During this crisis what will help us is our grit, our ability to take decisions, and our confidence to move forward. I think that Japan still is the most powerful country even after Hiroshima and Nagasaki, so every crisis gives birth to a new avatar. I am sure that the good, the powerful and the capable will make it big after the Corona crisis. 

Since this is a healthcare crisis and also has had an impact on the economy, let me first ask you about how you feel about the Prime Minister’s and Government’s decision of a lockdown and how has it helped us?

I think we have handled COVID-19 very well. With limitations in hand, I feel the Indian government has done a great job. India as a country has been blessed with a lot of advantages which I think no one expected. Firstly, India is a young country; the average age is 28 and people above 60 are lesser compared to other developed nations that have an older population. 

Secondly, according to me, Indians have the advantage of having exposure to various illnesses leading to better immunity. The next point is that Indians had tuberculosis (TB) burden. Therefore, Indians have the BCG program which was vaccinations done at primary and elementary school levels, even much before that. The western part of the world said they did not have TB and hence they never had a BCG program. When you map BCG country programs and non-BCG country programs you will see that there is a stark difference as BCG countries have better control, lesser infections and lesser mortality. The last point which is also equally important is malaria and chloroquine has once again come to the fore. These two together were ignored by the western world and they are facing the brunt of it. We have four advantages in handling COVID –19: 

1.     We have immunity which is not tampered with whereas, the western world because of having money managed to live with the least pathogen environment. India has been a poor country therefore, we have seen a lot with regard to pathogens.

2.     The age difference shows that India can handle much more. In India, only 3 to 4 per cent of the population is over 60 whilst in the west, it is 18 to 20 per cent. 

3.     The TB burden brought the BCG program in India

4.     Countries that have struggled with malaria are safer today.

The lockdown was a good move. Without that there would be a crisis. It was done at the right time. India has the least of people dying of COVID-19. We are much safer than the west. 

Testing has been ramped up during the last few weeks. What do you have to say about this? 

In the case of COVID-19 testing has not offered any advantage except knowledge about the government’s progress of the disease simply because the positive test does not alter the course of management of the disease. The western world has spent a lot on testing $ 25 billion, at least 10 times more than India. If testing helps then they would have lost lesser lives than in India. India very frugally tested very little and it was great of the Indian administration to realize that testing would not help. The quarantine will help, social distancing will help, the only drawback was that mask usage came very late. 

A disaster is a disaster. One cannot be prepared for such a pandemic.

Is the Supreme Court decision of making the private testing free a right decision? 

With all said and done public interest litigations can truly be troubling to any administration. I think there was a request and there was pressure, hence the Supreme Court felt why should the common man pay. 

The Government was aware that testing was not the true diagnostic solution. They were already providing free testing through Ayushman, the rich they said will go to private laboratories that way the burden would be shared. The Government saved a lot of money. It is good to hear that the rich will pay for themselves and the poor government will pay. The Supreme Court has correctly, timely modified it otherwise there would be a huge burden on the government of India. 

How does one prepare for the future and how do you make the best of what you have?

Preparedness, lucky are those who were prepared when the opportunity came. I was a mathematician six years back and was not into micro-biology testing. Today, 40 per cent of my turnover is from COVID-19 testing. I am fortunate to be in healthcare as the need of the hour is healthcare.

Dr. Velumani you had some rules of entrepreneurship and you benefitted through your journey, are there any new rules of entrepreneurship? 

The rules don’t change. I think the new lessons are – be frugal and don’t overborrow. I think man’s needs will come down, he will purchase less and that means the turnovers will be low. 

Do you think our Prime Minister has done a good job managing the COVID-19 crisis? 

India has a cool and composed Prime Minister and is lucky to have a young population. We are safe and must congratulate the Prime Minister on a job well done. If you ask me everyone can relax as we are safe, and will not suffer as many calamities while dealing with this pandemic as the west would. Industries will be unlocked and financial distress will get better. The PM has been pushing for traditional practices and measures for better immunity, better health, better flexibility and overall the well-being. Going forward Yoga will be very helpful. It will make India more powerful, strong and prosperous.