The Quiet Retreat: Why Indian CEOs Went Silent on Public Health Post-Pandemic

It feels like just yesterday, doesn't it? The height of the pandemic, a time when fear was palpable, and yet, there was also a remarkable coming together. We saw India's top business leaders, our CEOs, stepping up to the plate in ways many hadn't anticipated. They weren't just running their companies; they were actively advocating for public health. From pushing vaccination drives and ensuring oxygen supply to emphasizing the crucial need for masks and hand hygiene – their platforms, their influence, were squarely focused on the nation's well-being. It was, dare I say, inspiring to witness. Many of us, myself included, genuinely believed this marked a new era of corporate responsibility.

Fast forward a bit, and here we are, navigating a post-pandemic world. The immediate crisis has faded, at least from the headlines. And with it, it seems, has gone the fervent public health advocacy from our corporate titans. The once-loud voices on collective health have, for the most part, fallen quiet. It's quite a shift, isn't it? The conversations around boardrooms and in public forums have reverted to what's often seen as 'business as usual': growth, profits, market share, and technological innovation. It’s almost as if the collective trauma of COVID-19, and the lessons learned from it, have been compartmentalized, put neatly away in a box labeled 'crisis response' and forgotten.

But here's the thing: public health isn't a temporary concern, nor is it something separate from economic health. They're intrinsically linked, woven into the very fabric of a productive society. When people are sick, they can't work. When a workforce is plagued by chronic illnesses, productivity plummets, healthcare costs skyrocket, and economic growth stalls. It’s not rocket science; it's basic human logic. The pandemic, if it taught us anything, showed us just how vulnerable our economic machinery is when the health of our population is compromised. So, for CEOs to now pivot entirely away from public health advocacy feels not just short-sighted, but frankly, a missed opportunity of colossal proportions.

Consider the looming health crises that India faces today. We're talking about a silent epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) – diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular issues – which are quietly, relentlessly, eroding the health and productivity of our nation. These aren't just individual health problems; they're societal burdens that cost billions in healthcare and lost workdays. Add to that the pervasive issue of air pollution, a genuine public health emergency that affects everyone, rich or poor, young or old. These aren't glamorous issues, perhaps, but they are profoundly impactful. And yet, the same powerful voices that mobilized during COVID-19 seem to have little to say about these ongoing threats.

Perhaps it’s a matter of perception, or maybe even a strategic oversight. There seems to be an ingrained belief that public health is solely the domain of the government or NGOs. But the pandemic proved otherwise; it showed the incredible synergy possible when corporate might and public welfare converge. CEOs possess immense resources – not just financial, but intellectual capital, logistical prowess, and perhaps most importantly, influence. Imagine the impact if these leaders were to consistently champion policies that improve air quality, promote healthy lifestyles, or invest in preventative care programs. The ripple effect would be transformative.

So, the question lingers: why the silence? Is it a fear of stepping outside their perceived mandate? A worry that associating with 'health' might detract from their 'business' image? Or perhaps it’s simply the human tendency to move on once the immediate danger has passed, overlooking the slow burn of persistent problems. Whatever the reason, this retreat is costly. It deprives the public health discourse of influential voices and significant resources. It leaves critical issues unaddressed, issues that will inevitably come back to bite the very economic systems these leaders are so keen to protect.

Ultimately, a thriving economy requires a healthy populace. It’s an undeniable truth. For Indian CEOs, who showed such commendable leadership during a moment of profound crisis, to now retreat into the comfort of purely commercial pursuits feels like a betrayal of that very spirit. It's time they recognize that their responsibility extends beyond the balance sheet. Sustained advocacy for public health isn't just a moral imperative; it's a strategic investment in the future of their businesses and, indeed, the entire nation. Let's hope those powerful voices, for the sake of all of us, rediscover their passion for public health.