Throughout his tenure, he has done a commendable job at leading development in Kerala. But especially in the last year, with the country battling the Covid-19 pandemic, CM Vijayan’s efficient leadership has been praised by one and all. 

Kerala, despite the rise in cases, reportedly has the lowest case fatality rate (0.39%) in the country.

While cases have soared in the last week, under the leadership of CM Pinarayi Vijayan, the state has introduced various measures to battle the virus: 

1. In his first address after once again winning the elections, he cautioned party workers against celebrating the win and rather talked about battling Covid. 

This is not the time to celebrate our huge win. Many wanted to celebrate but they have held back. Our fight against COVID will continue.

2. Even in the days leading up to the election, his message was focused on battling Covid. He tweeted to advocate about double masking, home deliveries and cautioned people against profiteering from the disadvantaged in these difficult times. 

This is not the first time CM Vijayan has focused on people and not power. Be it during the 2017 cyclone or the Nipah virus outbreak, his focus has always been to keep the people informed by providing regular updates via social media and/or public briefings. 

3. With the rise in cases, the price for the RT-PCR test in Kerala was reduced from ₹1700 to ₹500 to ensure more people could get tested. 

4. Dedicated oxygen war rooms are being set up at district and state levels to ensure patients don’t face oxygen shortages. 

5. CM Vijayan also stated that Kerala will lay down a plan to procure vaccines directly from manufacturers and not wait for the Centre to provide doses.  

CM Vijayan was also one of the many state leaders who requested PM Modi to make vaccination free for all, to ensure mass vaccination which is ultimately required to fight the virus. 

In India major vaccines were distributed free of cost. When the country is going through a difficult situation it is not proper to impose a fee on vaccines. 

6. In 2020, when the Covid-19 virus outbreak first broke in India, Kerala was hailed as a case study in handling the virus and “flattening the curve”. 

From contact tracing to effective isolation, Kerala, under the expert leadership of CM Vijayan and Minister of Health and Social Welfare of Kerala state, K.K. Shailaja ensured that it did not crumble under the deadly virus. 

With roadside handwashing kiosks, local helplines, and heightened vigilance, the state authorities ensured that proper practices were followed at the grassroots level. 

Local village council members and community workers came together to ensure patients were properly quarantined, the needy were provided adequate meals, and social distancing norms were followed. 

Just like the rest of the country, Kerala is certainly not out of the woods yet. But it can not be denied that in times of crisis (not just Covid-19, but other disasters too), CM Vijayan has emerged as an able leader who has steered the state in the right direction. Hopefully, the rest of the country can take a leaf out of Kerala’s effective healthcare system.