“We must Anticipate that COVID-19 will also Become Pan-Endemic”

Abstract

Dr. T Jacob John is retired Professor and Head, departments of clinical virology and microbiology, Christian Medical College (Vellore), and was Director of the ICMR’s Centre of Advanced Research in Virology. He is credited with the establishment of India’s first diagnostic virology laboratory, and has conducted pioneering research in the fields of infectious diseases, clinical virology, and epidemiology. His model of polio control in Vellore and North Arcot district (Tamil Nadu) inspired global polio eradication. He is the recipient of the BC Roy Award for Eminent Medical Man of the year, 1990, and BR Ambedkar Centenary Award, 2002 – among other distinctions. He has also served as President of Indian Academy of Pediatrics and Indian Association of Medical Microbiologists, and is Fellow of the Indian National Science Academy. In an exclusive interview to our Executive Editor Dr. Soham D. Bhaduri, Dr. John shares his insights and perspectives on the COVID-19 pandemic and India’s epidemic preparedness.