Hygiene is a Privilege

Hygiene is a Privilege

 COVID19 is exposing the fact that both health and hygiene is a privilege of few people and out of reach for half of the population. 

While the Nation is gearing up for unlock and normalizing the situation, the life of people who earn as less INR100-500/- a day to spend INR 70/- on a soap bar is definitely a concern. All of sudden, brands like Dettol and Lifebuoy vanished or out of stock, leaving unbranded products as only options. These products are being sold in all the chemist shop in an equivalent amount to branded products. However, the product's genuineness, quality, and safety remain a concern too. The price of hygiene products has touched the sky. A sanitizer or hand wash is cost around 250-500/- for less than 1500ml. An average household is buying 3 products minimum Handwash, Sanitizer and Disinfectant for personal hygiene, haven’t mentioned Products for kitchen and toilet cleaning. 

  Referred price is from the Amazon site. The Amount mention is an MRP. 

 Can our government consider having basic hygiene products included in our Ration system or available at Government hospitals? Can the poorest of our people get access to sanitary napkins and good hand wash products option at an affordable price? Why focus only on food-based ration when the situation demands other products too.

In a Pandemic situation which contaminate things and surface, cleanliness is a must, however, a family of 5 with an income as little as Rs.500 a day, how they can invest in such products. People living in a hand to mouth situation, how can we expect them to buy a bar of soap to wash their hands first? 

Local vendors, drivers, door-step delivery persons, and security services are the people who won't be able to afford these products. What if they don't have basic hygiene? What if they are unable to have a hygiene routine? So, People who can afford these products will remain unsafe.

Can we as a society remain safe and healthy if million doesn't have access to hygiene products? 

Let's face it, we are not safe, till the time each one of us is safe.