Bandipora: Doctors allege shortage of protective gear

Doctors and paramedics in this district have alleged lack of protective gears for handling COVID19 cases.

They said despite repeatedly taking up the issue with thehigher authorities they have been deprived of the gears.

   

“In absence of personal protective equipment (PPE), we havebeen using all kind of things including plastics, foam, and polythene to wrapour bodies to protect ourselves from the deadly virus,” says Parveez Ahmed, aparamedic at Community Health Centre (CHC) Hajin.

“I have been using this polythene apron for some time now. Iknow it is not safe, and by using it repeatedly I am also putting the lives ofmy family members at risk. I can’t afford to throw it away as officials don’tseem to be in mood to provide us with the PPE kits,” the paramedic said.

A senior doctor, Shabir Ahmad said without proper gear thestaff was at greater risk and may have to pay a big price.

“We are dealing with suspects who could be positive for thevirus, without proper gear. I have many times sent request to the Chief MedicalOfficer that we are at a greater risk while discharging our duties. But no oneis bothered,” the doctor complained.

Another doctor seconded DrShabir’s. she said that visitingthe coronavirus hotspots without proper gear makes them more vulnerable.

 “When we return fromthese hotspot areas many paramedical staffers complain either of nausea orcough because we meet suspected patients without proper spectacles, head-cap,shoe-cover and hand-gloves. It is very dangerous,” says DrAsiya. 

“Sometimes we think of quitting our job, but our familyalways stops us. But for our families, we might have already left the job. Whatis the fun of working for those who are not concerned about your well being?”said another health worker, wishing to be named, asked.

Locals said they have seen several senior doctors dealingwith the patients without wearing PPE and N95 masks.

Medical Superintendent, CHC Hajin, Dr Nasir acknowledgedthere was shortage of PPE kits. However, he said, a request has been sent tothe higher authorities to provide the doctors without protective kits. “Itseems we have to wait some time more till our request is met,” he said.

Bandipora has a population of around 4 lakh and more thanCOVID19 cases have been reported from the district so far. There has been deathof one COVID19 patient from the district as well. According to an official morethan 600 have been put under an administrative quarantine.

Chief Medical Officer BandiporaDrTajamul did not respond torepeated calls from this reporter for his comment of the issue.

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