(Rishitha Jaladi, Intern Journalist)Vijayawada: In recent days, the number of COVID-19 cases is shooting up each day. Both the central and state governments are doing their best to improve the living standards of people. Definitely, in these tough times, there is no doubt everyone is trying their best to protect themselves from the virus.
Once, a white coat of doctors is considered an honor. But these days it’s considered as infected and profane stuff. As active cases are accelerating each day, the number of health care providers is also increasing.
However, not only the active cases of COVID-19and front line health care providers but also the recovered patients are considered untouchables.
Recently a doctor who is treating a coronavirus patient in Hyderabad’s Gandhi hospital was attacked and hit brutally. Dr. Anand Roy of MadhyaPradesh faced discrimination. Two lady doctors from Assam were threatened and hit brutally, which was a real atrocity. Despite all this one of the lady doctor said”I have to treat COVID victims and no one can stop me doing it”
Due to this stigmatization and discrimination, most of the COVID positive patients are fearful to disclose this identity and most of them avoid seeking medical help. It badly affects the psychology of the person.
We can follow a few tips to avoid stigma against frontline workers and COVID victims.
- Avoid saying Do’s and don’ts about the virus
- Try spreading awareness about the virus to avoid stigma via social media platforms.
- Support the victims as we have to fight the virus and not the patient.
Prevention is better than cure, hence follow the precautions given by the government and maintain social distance. This Dark cloud shall too pass.
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