There is no doubt that the third wave of Covid-19 has now almost gripped most of the countries of the world. Besides, the new variant of Corona called ‘Omicron’ has also begun to spread its wings. This combined danger has forced many countries including India to once again impose certain restrictions, which include curfews, containment zones and on-essential movement of the people. Unquestionably these measures are being taken by the respective governments only for the safety of the citizens. The earlier two waves of Covid had already put the life of working class in jeopardy and now the presumed danger of third wave will be severe jolt and it is sure keeping in mind the present economic scenario that this time the lockdown and restrictions for longer period shall be unbearable by the working class of the society. This class includes, labor, industrial workers, petty traders, small businessmen, workers of unorganized sector and middle class. Very pathetic side of this “Covid-19” virus is the behavior of the pharmaceutical companies, traders and distributors. They have earned immense wealth by taking advantage of this pandemic but have least contributed in the redresser of the miseries of the middle and lower middle class of the society. According to the rough estimates of the economists the income of the people engaged in this industry of pharmaceuticals, who are either associated with the manufacturing or with trading from wholesale to retail sale has an increase of about four thousands to six thousands times. Despite such a huge increase in the income and obviously in the profit the contribution of this sector in helping the poor and middle class of the society in this hour of crisis is almost negligible if not completely nil. The people belonging to this crucial sector at this critical time may be providing huge funds to the ruling or opposition parties but are silent in the name of helping those who have been rendered jobless because of a ‘Virus’ which on the other hand proved to be a boon for this sector. It is the poor and common man who is surrendering his hard earned money to this sector for purchasing medicines and paying for the treatment. This is the money which has made their bucks heavy. But we must remember that this type of behavior can lead to a situation of chaos where the worst affected shall be these people who are ignoring reality.
