Frontline warriors suffer as locals deny entry
At least 15, including nurses quit job
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 13 2020:
Even as COVID-19 pandemic continues to hit the State hard, information of a number of frontline workers, such as doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers being barred from returning home by locals has started trickling into the office of The Sangai Express.
The recent upsurge in COVID-19 cases in the State has triggered fear and panic among the public with some of the healthcare workers even asked not to return home by the panic stricken locals.
These frontline warriors, who are discharging their duties selflessly, are now subjected to discrimination and social stigma, said Managing Director of Shija Hospitals, Dr Kh Palin.
Facing problems in movement and being denied entry, some of the medical staff have to stop stepping out of their homes while some have been forced to spend nights at nearby schools, he said.
Notably at least 15 staff including nurses of Shija Hopspitals have quit their jobs, unable to bear the discrimination they face from the locals.
Some ailing persons who visit hospitals are even forced to take shelter at their acquaintances' home while some women staff are compelled to commute to hospital from their parental home, he said.
Over and above this, some shops have even refused to sell their goods to hospital staff, he said while adding that such irrational treatments are very discouraging and will degrade the morale of these frontline warriors in the fight against the contagion.
They are stepping out of their homes every day to discharge their duties, to fight COVID-19 and to ensure patients with other ailments get their necessary treatment, the Managing Director reminded while adding that discrimination, using dismissive languages, mockery over these selfless workers are totally uncalled for.
Professor Th Bhimo, who is the Director of JNIMS, also stated that the same issue is evident and as such, some staff have desisted returning home and are taking shelter in the hospital.
He also stressed on the need for raising awareness about the contagion to avoid such irrational discrimination and stigmatization.
He also said that it is commendable to see COVID cases in Delhi dropping considerably after the Government approved to get asymptomatic patients treated at their respective residences.