Chief Minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal, wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting to confer the country’s highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna, upon the “Indian doctor”. It would include doctors, nurses, as well as the paramedical workers, he stated.

He wrote that the country wants this year’s Bharat Ratna to be awarded to the ‘Indian doctor’.

Bharat Ratna was last conferred on former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee, singer Bhupendra Kumar Hazarika and Bharatiya Jana Sangh leader Nanaji Deshmukh in 2019.

The Delhi CM wrote in his letter that many doctors and nurses have lost their lives fighting against COVID-19. Conferring Bharat Ratna on them will be a true tribute. Numerous doctors have selflessly served the nation and there could be no better way to honor and thank them.

As per the Indian Medical Association, almost 730 doctors have died due to COVID-19 during the 2nd wave. Bihar reported 115 deaths, Delhi 109 deaths, and Uttar Pradesh 79 deaths. The vaccination status of these doctors is not yet known. 

Kejriwal has urged the PM to change the rules if they do not allow the honor to be conferred on a group. The whole country is indebted to the doctors and will be happy if doctors are conferred the Bharat Ratna.

Source: The Indian Express