As the entire nation is all set to welcome lock-down 2.0 with open arms, things are not easy for the tribe that has been at the forefront of battle against the deadly coronavirus ever since the first case was reported in the country.
At this moment, I am tempted to go down the memory lane and recall veteran actor Rajesh Khanna’s popular dialogue from the movie ‘Anand’-Babumoshai, zindagi aur maut upar wale k haath mein hai jahaanpanaah. Interestingly, after having witnessed COVID-19 pandemic in almost all its forms till now, it would be unjust on my part to not credit members of healthcare community for their relentless efforts in the halting the contagion. With selflessness entrenched in their psyche, these corona warriors are stretched thin in an attempt to save maximum lives from succumbing to the vagaries of the pandemic. While cases of infection and mortality continue to emerge in every nook and corner of the country, it is the doctors, nurses, paramedics, and other healthcare professionals who are brushing aside soft options and showing up to work even if it means risking their own lives.
Reports of doctors and members of hospital staff contracting the corona virus disease are rife in the media. Some of these doctors are also facing the double whammy of social ostracisation and having to stay away from their families. To add to the woes, are incidents of misbehaviour with and assault on healthcare workers. For these unsung heroes, only thing that refuses to die down despite all adversities is the spirit to serve humanity by saving lives.
But, where does this spirit come from? As per Assistant Professor of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School, the gap in theory and practice, which is the hallmark of education systems world over, exists in medical curriculum too. However, exposure to nuances of life in the realm of clinical practice inures them to life-threatening conditions that pandemics like COVID-19 subject them to.
Needless to say, these folks in white are blessed with tremendous fortitude which strengthens with every patient they handle. It is disheartening to know that India’s expenditure on empowering these brave souls stands at just 1.28% of the GDP. Hope that the government gives healthcare sector its due while planning economic reforms for a post-corona India.
