Dr Hariharan, 62-year-old doctor was a head of a charitable clinic in east Delhi, contracted COVID-19 in October, probably from one of his patients, while distributing cards for his only daughter’s wedding. At first, he had only mild symptoms. But, 3-4 days later, the doctor developed breathing difficulties and was admitted to a private hospital. His condition did not improve in spite of all the required treatment and, after 31 days, he died. The wedding was scheduled on 28th November was then postponed.

His family members had spent several lakhs towards the treatment. His daughter, Divya Hariharan, said that the government should admit that private practitioners also lose their lives to COVID-19. It may be impossible for the government to help each and every doctor from the private sector but they should at least introduce some policy or guideline for helping the families who have lost their near ones to coronavirus while treating them.

Dr Vinay Aggarwal, heading theCOVID Martyrs Committee that was formed by Indian Medical Association (IMA), said that 723 doctors have died in India due to COVID-19 in the last 10 months. Around 60% of the general practitioners are not associated with any COVID hospital and have succumbed to the disease while saving others. Hence, their contribution should be appreciated. A national policy is required for supporting the families of these victims.

IMA has started collecting funds from their members to provide financial aid to the medical doctors who died due to COVID-19.

Dr Arun Gupta, who is a member of Delhi Medical Council, said that the sacrifice of all healthcare staff during the pandemic should be recognised. The present schemes are covering only those healthcare staff who are on COVID-19 duty. Those workers who are involved in non-COVID services and get infected are not covered under many of the available schemes.

The central government has a scheme known as Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package Insurance Scheme for Health Workers who are fighting against COVID-19. They are provided an insurance cover of Rs 50 lakh who are in direct contact and care of coronavirus patients. It also includes accidental loss of life on contracting COVID-19.

Delhi government offers Rs 1 crore compensation to the family of a healthcare employee who had succumbed to the infection during COVID duty.

Source: The Times of India