Barely three months after the first novel coronavirus (Covid-19) case was detected in Wuhan, China, countries across the world imposed lockdown to contain the spread of the deadly virus, thus forcing millions of people to retreat into their homes. Almost all social events and activities, including the world’s biggest sporting extravaganza Olympics have been either called off or postponed indefinitely because of the pandemic; establishments like churches, business and government buildings have been either closed or functioning with skeletal staff; oil market has been hit hard; and economic recession looming large. More than 2.6 million people have been infected by the virus worldwide and more than 1.8 lakh have died so far. Amidst this catastrophe and gloom, many heroes have emerged, offering their invaluable services to humankind.
One such hero is Indian actor Shikha Malhotra, who was seen in Shahrukh Khan’s starrer “Fan”. The registered BSc honours nurse won many hearts by volunteering to help fight the disease at a Mumbai hospital last month. Miss England 2019 Bhasha Mukherjee announced earlier this month that she would hang up her crown and return to her medical profession to help the Covid-19 patients. The respiratory specialist was carrying out charity work in India and was scheduled to visit other countries including Pakistan when she decided to abandon the humanitarian trip and return to England. In Nagaland too, many retired medical professionals have volunteered their service for patients during this health crisis despite belonging to the vulnerable age group for coronavirus infection. Senior doctors from Nagaland Medical Council (NMC) along with MBBS graduates, interns and those in the final year are planning to set up OPD services in all districts of the state. They are going to render a yeoman service to the society as people with various ailments have been having a hard time after converting the main health facilities in all the districts to Covid-19 hospitals. It will help the common people immensely as the fight against the virus is expected to be a long one.
When many scurry for cover to avoid contracting the infectious disease, these brave hearts chose to fight, proving to be the lifeblood of the people. Hundreds of medical professionals around the world have been infected by the dreaded virus and hundreds have succumbed to it, but those recovered join the frontline of the battlefield silently. Health risks and hurdles, including physical harassment and social stigmatisation can’t stop them from performing their duty. If this unwavering commitment towards combating the pandemic doesn’t lift the spirit of the people, what will? “As long as it (service) is required, the team will be providing voluntary services,” president of NMC Dr. Joyce Angami had said while announcing the council’s decision to provide voluntary OPD services in various parts of Nagaland state in the wake of coronavirus outbreak. It speaks volumes about the medical profession and the commitment of the practitioners. Healthcare workers deserve our support, care and love for their untiring spirit to save lives.