The Covid-19 has been a wake up call for many of the developing countries. At a time like this, it is crucial to not only trust, but also support the medical community mitigate the situation. However, the growing spread of misinformation, and lack of government intervention seems to have led the people in the opposite direction.
In a nation, where the doctor to patient ratio is less than 1:1000, the recommended doctor to patient ratio in developing nations, it is imperative that health workers get to practice medicine without having to fear for their lives. The lack of health literacy among the majority of Nepali, combined with the lack of confidence in the medical institutions is a dangerous concoction, which has resulted in an unsuitable, if not dangerous, environment for the essential workers.
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Although this is not the first-time medical workers have faced such situations, it is especially important now to support the medical community, so that a massive surge of infections and the consequent deaths can be prevented. Even worse is the fact that in some cases, the workers are being blamed for the spread of the virus. They are being shunned by the society and forced to stay away from the residential areas. It is precisely because of these reasons that the adult work force is favoring working abroad.
Health care workers are seeking opportunities in countries, where their work is appreciated rather than derogated. Unless the government steps in to provide some incentive, it is inevitable that the situation will get worse.
TIME TO WAKE UP GOVERNMENT!
Aayush Bhattarai is a medical student at KUSMS, Dhulikhel.
