We have observed that problematic experiences during the COVID‐19 pandemic have arisen from systemic and persistent inequities. The interconnected and overlapping fronts that we have had to face in the course of the pandemic in the country are evidently related to the inequitable social and economic circumstances that existed way before the pandemic became a threat. The interconnection between the proper allocation of societal resources and the health status of society in general cannot be overlooked. The short‐term efforts exerted to contain the pandemic have to be aimed at addressing the inequities. Having existed for a long time, these inequities deserve everyone’s attention not only during the pandemic but also when we emerge from it. This glaring reality may have been overlooked as authorities focus on the short term and see the measures as a requirement to tide us over until we can go back to normal. Thus, addressing the manifestations of the inequities has happened incidentally rather than deliberately, using stop‐gap rather than long‐term measures.