IMA demands study of deceased doctors' data due to COVID-19
The Indian Medical Association on Wednesday expressed shock at the Central Government's statement in Rajya Sabha that 162 doctors had died due to coronavirus in the country. In a letter to the Minister of State for Health, Ashwini Kumar Choubey, it appealed that a high-power committee is constituted by the government to do a thorough study of the entire data of deceased doctors.
COVID-19 has killed 162 doctors and 107 nurses: Health Ministry
The Minister of State for Health had on Tuesday informed the Upper House of Parliament that COVID-19 has so far claimed the lives of 162 doctors, 107 nurses, and 44 ASHA workers in the country.
734 doctors lost their lives due to COVID-19: IMA President
In the letter to Choubey, IMA President JA Jayalal stated that the Centre's (COVID-19 fatality) figures were contrary to the data released by the medical body, according to which 734 doctors had lost their lives due to the disease, of which 431 were general practitioners. "Also, 25 doctors who died were below the age of 35," he said in the letter.
'Government failed to acknowledge the services of the medical fraternity'
In the letter, Jayalal also stated that the doctors suffer a higher viral load and Case Fatality Ratio as a community. "They still choose to serve the nation in best traditions of the medical profession. The Government of India failed to acknowledge this fact and give due significance and recognition," he added.
Appropriately endorse the hard work of doctors: IMA to government
The IMA also condemned the apathy of the government in verifying the data and delaying the disbursement of solatium for COVID-19 martyrs' families. The letter said, "We are writing to you at this juncture to appropriately endorse the hard work and contribution by our doctors in flattening the COVID-19 curve in India."
High-power committee should be constituted: IMA
The letter stated, "We fervently appeal to you to expedite the process of giving solatium to families at the earliest possible time." "We appeal that a high-power committee should be constituted by the government to make a thorough study of the entire data of deceased doctors and all those who had succumbed should be honored," it added.
