It is not unknown--the efforts of healthcare professionals being the reason for people surviving the COVID pandemic. It is also well-known the risks these healthcare workers take once they step out of their house and into the hospitals or centres where COVID patients are being treated. Though the doctor’s normal life rotates around the dark job that deals with death and sickness, today the worst part they have to face every day at work is nothing but lack of support from the society and the government.

"My colleague's mask was no longer usable. But still, we did not get the required supply of good condition protective gears. He feared being infected and his fear turned into reality when he was detected with the virus infection. Whom do we blame? Him for being careless and serving relentlessly or the government for not supplying the necessary PPE and masks in time?" rues a healthcare worker employed in a COVID care centre.

According to the WHO reports, 22000+ healthcare professionals have been infected by the virus so far. The reason: lack of PPE and masks.

It is important for everyone to understand that if the healthcare providers are going to risk their lives, then others have to reciprocate responsibly--it us upto the society, administration, and hospitals to keep them safe and ensure that they are fairly treated. 

It is lack of this sensitivity that makes them angry at the system, frustrated and question their own commitment to their work. They probably wonder if is it worth risking their life to save others whereas others don’t care about you? 

Now  it is upto us to support them:

1) Play an important part: There are many people sharing fake news and posts showing the doctors in a negative light or taking away the spotlight they deserve. In such cases, instead  of spreading false news on social media, use your word to start campaigns to prompt the government to provide the healthcare workers with relief material. 

2) Volunteer, Donate: Ask people for donations in some way or through social media and help in the cause by rolling the dice in a better way. You could collect funds and buy PPE gear and donate them  to the hospital in your city that is taking care of COVID patients.

3) Know what's important: Hoarding essentials might seem like the wise thing to do in a crisis but try and help the healthcare workers by not hoarding  their essentials like masks and sanitizers. Make use of recyclable and washable masks instead, wash your hands often rather than sanitising them often. And make the protective gears available to the needy whenever possible. 

4) Be compassionate and understand the circumstances they are working in. If you can’t help them directly, try and support their families while they are on duty. You could share their families workload, offer online help to their kids with their lessons, or simply keep their spirits up by recognizing the huge effort they are putting in to save the lives of so many.