Is Covid going to finish Intellectual Property Rights?

Talk has started on abolishing intellectual property rights for Covid vaccines. The idea has been proposed by the Prime Minister of India and seconded by the President of the United States of America.

The world needs more the 6 billion of its population vaccinated to immunise the breeding ground of the Corona virus - the human. Every human is at risk of contracting Covid-19 if they have to lead a normal life of at the least socialising with other humans, a natural instinct of being a gregarious species.

If we don’t immunise the population of the planet fast, all of us will run a higher risk of dying early! So immunisation is a common purpose for every country and every individual, because who wants early death!!!

Questions:

1. Will Big Pharma that has spent millions on the research & development (R&D) of these vaccines be ready to allow anyone to manufacture them without any license fee to recover the cost of development?

2. Should a drug development & manufacturing company’s accounts be allowed to be audited by a statutory body to ascertain the cost of each shot after factoring in the cost of R&D and a nominal profit percentage be added to the total cost to make the retail price more affordable?

3. Should another manufacturer who is using the intellectual property of a drug discovering entity pay a nominal royalty so that the drug discovery company can recover costs of R&D?

One Solution:

Worldwide quotas for deciding the quantity of annual production of a particular patented drug can be set by the World Health Organisation and based on this quantity and audited costs of R&D, the royalty can be worked out to recover the costs of R&D.

Questions and solutions are being discussed about intellectual property rights when the ultimate beneficiary is the whole of humanity.

Elon Musk has already lead the way in 2014 with the Tesla Motors patents being opened up for anyone's use in the spirit of the open source movement, for the advancement of electric vehicle technology. “Tesla Motors was created to accelerate the advent of sustainable transport”, wrote Musk in his blogpost - All Our Patents Belong To You.

In that spirit, let us all contemplate a few more questions-

• Why does the planet earth have humans?
• Is there a collective purpose?
• Should each human be responsible for the upkeep of the planet in terms of sustainability so that the collective purpose may be realised?
• Should profiteering be limited to an optimum that allows both money for innovation to the producer and affordability to the user?
• Should "Right to Life" override "Rights of Patent Holders"?

Is Oxygen Presidential? Find out

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Is Oxygen Presidential?

Humans cannot live beyond-

a few weeks without food,

a few days without water, and

a few minutes without oxygen.

So what is one of the most important things in life?

Oxygen

And what has the Carona virus made people realise?

O2 O2 everywhere and not a molecule to breathe!

It was free, but now some pay thousands per hour to breathe oxygen through ventilators!!!

Why?

Because we have been grateful for water and grateful for food but have forgotten to be grateful to the invisible oxygen that has been keeping us alive!

We have been harping for years about reduction of carbon-dioxide emissions, carbon footprints and forgot all about increase of oxygen intake at an individual level.

What has it come to?

Covid has made oxygen as important as a president.

We see oxygen vehicles loaded on to the hold of dedicated airplanes just like the limos of presidents get loaded when they go to visit another country.

These oxygen vehicles on landing are piloted and escorted by security forces just like presidents are!

Here’s a reminder of the physical benefits of oxygen

• Creates energy
• Digests food
• Eliminates toxins from the body
• Fuels the body muscles
• Metabolises fat and carbohydrates
• Transports gases across cell membranes
• Strengthens immune system
• Manufactures hormones and proteins
• Removes viruses, parasites and harmful bacteria
• Keeps the heart pumping and healthy
• Incites the lungs to breathe
• Allows the nervous system, and all other body tissues to function normally

Increased oxygen levels also have the following mental benefits

• Better mood
• Improved concentration
• Reduced stress
• Sound sleep

Here’s what you can do to increase your levels of oxygen

• Exercise daily
• Do breathing exercises too daily (Yogic Pranayamas are a good option)
• Rest on your stomach for a few minutes before you sleep
• Have less of toxin producing food and beverages

Now that you know the power and importance of “presidential oxygen”, when you say grace, don’t forget to say this prayer of gratitude:

Lord God, I am grateful for the oxygen I breathe. Bless humankind and bless oxygen Thy gift, which we receive from Thy bountiful goodness.

Is Covid spreading love? Find out

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Is Covid Spreading Love?

You let a microbe bring you to your knees?

What if the Carona virus is causing love to spread?

What if Covid-19 is enhancing understanding and compassion for each other?

That could sweep over this planet with wellness and make things happen that never happened before.

If this is not what you think, think again.. 

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11 C’s for success during Covid times of uncertainty

Covid has caused uncertainties in income, health, wellbeing and relationships. Uncertainties can take you into negative spirals of thoughts and emotions specially when there is discomforting news.  Remember these 11 C’s of success while navigating through Covid times of uncertainty. If you sow these 11 seeds now, they will help you live the life of your dreams and at the same time help you to contribute to the betterment of the world. 

1. Compassion – This is the highest intelligence which is why it comes first. Unless you are doing something for the betterment of humankind in some way you will not have lasting success. Compassion is also the parent of most leadership qualities. Empathy at the workplace and at home keeps everyone motivated and well, which is specially needed during Covid times. Empathy requires good comprehension too, so put your focus on understanding a situation holistically before reaching out to help.

Leadership during Covid times

Covid times require a leader to start with empathy because each one of us including you are equally vulnerable to the following.

1. Contracting the Covid-19 virus
2. A drop in income
3. Restriction of movement

So how do we tackle the above mentioned three aspects with empathetic leadership at home and at the work place?

Preventive measures for Covid-19 (Needs diligence)

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) - You don’t have to invent the wheel again for implementing preventive measures for contracting the spread of Covid-19 at your home or workplace. The WHO and large manufacturing companies such as Toyota have already come up with SOPs during Covid times. All you need to do is get someone to take responsibility for implementing these measures in your home or workplace and conduct regular monitoring of them. The Covid in-charge actually has to be like a monitor in a classroom calling out persons not adhering to the SOPs. You could even setup or use existing CCTVs for monitors to do their job.

Work From Home (WFH) - Deciding strategically who works from home and when, is an exercise that must be done with focus and understanding. Regular feedback from employees on the pros and cons of working from home on particular jobs must be taken to get a better understanding on what’s working for your organisation.

Tackling drops in income (A hard task that needs gentleness)

Dropping Costs - Dropping costs can offset drops in incomes in a business so that the bottom line doesn’t go into the red. Negotiations with your supply chain will yield results because right now everybody is looking for movement in business so that their revenues pick up even if it is at a discount.

Reduction of Emoluments - Reduction of emoluments of employees have to be handled in small groups and should be need based. You cannot reduce these emoluments to a level where monthly bills and rents cannot be paid by employees. A talk with each level of employee to know their needs and then come to a collective decision will keep the motivations in your organisation charged.

Deep Discounts - Deep discounts on the goods and services you offer will drive your dropping revenues from almost nil to at least 50-60% of what they were pre-Covid. Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish when deciding your discount plans.

Innovation - Innovation is positive and positively the winner of all of the above, for tackling drops in income. Digital platforms have proved their worth during Covid times and are the favoured route for delivery of goods and services during these times. You have to lead the digital transformation of your business whichever way you can and there is no way out for this. Innovation happens with innovative people. Identify the innovative people in your organisation and together with them develop a new product or service strategy. It may not be exactly what the market needs so do a pilot of a Minimum Viable Product to test its performance in the market place. The best designs are those designed with empathy.

Restriction of movement (Try the many options to overcome this challenge)

Video Calls - Depression has to be handled by augmenting your life-satisfaction by having video calls with loved ones regularly and daily calls are recommended.

Exotic Meals - Not being able to go out for exotic meals has to be handled by either learning to cook great meals from the many recipe websites and video channels now available free or ordering in a meal from any of the home delivery Mobile apps operational in your city.

Movies - Not being able to go out for movies has to be handled either by subscribing to movie Apps or channels and watching your choice of films from the comfort of your home.

Shopping - Not being able to shop has to be handled by shopping online from the array of online shopping websites and Mobile apps. Don’t forget to buy your favourite book too and curl up in a cozy corner of your home to read it. This will take care of a lot of Covid-19 adverse conditions.

It seems, all you need is the will to love yourself, love others and love your work to reach a work-life balance to thrive in a Covid world.

We are all in it together

If it’s not empathetic, it’s pathetic - Corona Days

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If it’s not empathetic, it’s pathetic - Corona Days

As I wake up I hear the music of birds chirping
The cool air and pure oxygen draw me into deep breathing

There are few deadlines to meet
And I no longer have a beat

Time has become a river flowing
And I don’t know where I'm going

Life is a song I now sing with no end
Targets have little meaning as I can’t control a graphs bend

I have realized that going against the flow becomes a fight
Compassion is the only thing that seems right

If I don’t make a pivot
I will rust along with an old rivet

Video calls with friends make me light
I have started enjoying an extended night..

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Covid-19 Paradoxes

Never have I seen such paradoxes that have made thoughts look like boxes.

The air is pure but wearing a mask you have to ensure.

Roads are clear but going on a long drive is unclear.

You have clean hands but there is a ban on shaking hands.

Friends have time to sit together but you can’t get together.

The cook inside you is crazy, but you cannot share your skills as attending parties is hazy.

On every Monday, the hearts of some long for the office buzz but the weekend doesn’t seem to have an end.

Those who have money have few ways to spend it. Those who don't have money have few ways to earn it.

You have enough time but can’t fulfill your desires that are prime.

People are coming into the world without celebrations and going away with few at their last rite ministrations.

The culprit is everywhere but you cannot see where.

For a while you have to stay in this world and find bliss in your inner-world.

When the change happens deep within, only then will a renewed world begin..

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Covid-19 Framework for Leaders and Policy Makers

A. WHY do you need a Covid-19 Framework for Leaders and Policy Makers ?

To reduce deaths due to Covid-19 and yet keep the economy rolling.


B. HOW do you reduce deaths due to Covid-19 and yet keep the economy rolling?

For Public:

1. Distancing SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) to be used
2. Digital Contact Tracing to be used to identify and guide those who came in contact with a Covid-19 positive patient
3. Sanitisers to be used as per SOP
4. Masks to be used as per SOP
5. Personal Protective Equipment to be used as per SOP
6. Behaviour training and monitoring with video cameras and re-training those who are making mistakes
7. Immunity building tips
8. Goods to be received at a premise as per SOP
9. Persons to enter a premise as per SOP

For Workplace:

• SOPs
• Enabling work form home
• Enabling learn from home

Link - Toyota Restart Manual for Covid-19

For Public Transport:

• SOPs

For Hospitals and Quarantine Centres:

• SOPs

C. WHAT do you do for making the public safe especially at workplaces, on public transport, hospitals and quarantine centres and at the same time keep the economy rolling?

1. Building manufacture and supply chain for Covid prevention and Covid healing items
2. Building manufacture and supply chain for essential items
3. Building manufacture and supply chain for economically crucial items
4. Building an easy to use digital pass system for essential movement of goods and persons
5. Beat policing and check posts for security and checking unauthorized movement
6. Digital contact tracing on mobile phone to be developed and promoted
7. Preparing SOPs with brainstorming of experts and publishing them
8. R&D and innovation to be encouraged
9. Building Covid-19 quarantine centres and speciality hospital capacity
10. Building Covid-19 Testing capacity
11. Data Collection and Analytics for decision making
12. Building a Covid-19 knowledge sharing digital platform for sharing and discussion of new methods tried and tested by experts in wellness, engineering, economy and environmental sustainability

D. A HUMANE APPROACH

1. Encourage systems for distributing food to the needy
2. Create donation funds for Covid-19 social responsibility projects
3. Create campaigns for removing stigmas attached to Covid-19 positive people
4. Do "Direct Bank Transfers" to people in view of loss of income
5. Provide low interest rate loans and loan moratoriums to people and organisations to tide over the loss of income caused by Covid-19
6. Talk to your employees to come to an amicable way forward during Covid-19

To all the leaders out there, here are 7 Cs for you during the Corona pandemic - 

Be calm, confident, communicative, collaborative, compassionate, curious and cautious.

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Covid-19 Policy Guidelines for Policy Makers, Influencers and Industrialists

Covid-19 is here to stay till a vaccine is discovered and tested by our great scientists.

In order that we all get cracking to start work in new and safe ways, policy makers, influencers and industrialists must immediately issue guidelines for the same in view of the threats posed by the Corona virus.

3 key important points to be looked into in the wake of Covid-19 are:

1. Precautions
2. Economy
3. Environment

1. Precautions: For the time being, an important thing that we can do is to take precautions to stop the spread of the Covid-19 virus and build policies for the same.

At the government level, the best method is quarantine of likely infected persons and allowing them to leave after 14 days if not infected and treating infected persons in self-isolation or special Covid-19 hospitals till they are free from the Covid-19 infection. We must ensure that the experience of people in quarantine centres and Covid-19 hospitals should be one of being cared for with empathy and one should not get a feeling of being herded into anyone of them.

For individuals, governments should issue and circulate guidelines to take simple precautions such as building immunity, wearing masks, social distancing of minimum 6 feet, and washing hands with soap or sanitizers at regular intervals. For higher risk individuals at places such as hospitals, quarantine centres and airports, full Personal Protective Equipment needs to be worn by their personnel.

2. Economy: We need to kick start the economy as fast as possible so that at least bread if not butter can be afforded by workers. Voluntary and forced lock-downs during the Covid-19 pandemic have severely strained cash flows that drive the economy.

As a head of an organisation, you should enforce the Covid-19 standard operating procedures and protocols of working at a common workplace and get to work. Here’s a link to download an intelligent PDF document prepared by Toyota to restart manufacturing, from which you can pick up guidelines applicable to your organisation -
Toyota Restart Manual

“Work From Home” should be encouraged wherever possible, such as in advisory work, digital work and cottage industry.

Governments must bring more money into circulation to reboot the economy and utilise it for low interest loan distribution to farmers and entrepreneurs, and earmark a substantial portion for green infrastructure development projects.

3. Environment & well-being: Covid-19 has made us experience the pleasurable side of Nature with chirping birds, clean air to breathe and a blue sky to see. Every policy maker, lobbyist and industrialist must advocate lean and green methods of doing work at every level. This has been an important message of Covid-19 to humanity. The human race is not the “monarch” of the planet but vulnerable to Nature. The Corona virus has given a rap on our knuckles on behalf of Nature to change our ways and change what we imagine economic development and progress to mean as a race. Gross National Product may not be the best measure of our progress so try considering other parameters such as Gross National Happiness with its four pillars below which contribute to well-being and life satisfaction:

• Sustainable and equitable socio-economic development
• Environmental conservation
• Preservation and promotion of culture
• Good governance

I believe that if we follow the above advice, then very soon the earth will become a better place to live in.

Inclusive prosperity is the way to global harmony

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