One of the key factors determining theeconomic development of a country is the health of its population. Good publichealth is considered fundamental to the welfare of a society. Health, accordingto the World Health Organization (WHO), is a state of complete physical, mentaland social well-being and not just merely the absence of disease. Elementscontributing to the good public health include genetics, favourableenvironment, healthy relationships and better education.
Marking the importance of health, ‘WorldHealth Day’ is held in the month of April every year under the patronage of theWHO. It celebrates the work of Healthcare Workers, that is, doctors, nurses,midwives, paramedics, pharmacists, ward staff, healthcare administrators,scientists, researchers, laboratory/clinical technicians, public health officials,health and sanitation workers, ambulance drivers, cleaners and many others whoplay a significant role in keeping the world healthy. The day is also aimed tocreate global awareness of a specific health theme to highlight a subject ofmajor concern. The theme for the Year 2020 is: “Support Nurses and Midwives”which recognizes the role of nurses and other healthcare workers in the globalhealth system.
Unfortunately, the year 2020 saw WorldHealth Day in the midst of a health crisis in the form of the Novel CoronaVirus pandemic that affected people in hundreds of thousands across the globe.Never in our wildest dreams did we think that we would ever come across asituation like this. Although words like ‘Curfew’, ‘Shutdown’, or ‘Hartaal’ areknown to the citizenry but the terms like ‘Social/Physical DistancingPractices’, ‘Self-Isolation’, ‘Lockdown’ and ‘Pandemic’ were not in theirvernacular before. However, as the world entered the second quarter of theyear, it is facing one of the greatest challenges in the shape of the pandemicoutbreak of Corona Virus necessitating a complete lockdown to contain infectionspread.
In Jammu and Kashmir, the number of peoplewho have tested positive for Corona Virus is rising and more cases are likelyto emerge in the coming weeks. In such a public health emergency, our frontlinewarriors are just there in the battlefield fighting the pandemic tooth and nailto protect the community. The pandemic has posed intense hardships to oursociety but the strength, resilience and concern of ourhealthcare professionals are far greater who are working vigorously round theclock to keep our community safe and healthy. They are the ones who areactually putting their own lives at risk while treating a Coronapositive/suspected patient and hence run a high risk of getting infected. Theyare working untiringly, helping people relentlessly combat the contagion andare trying their utmost to prevent patients spreading virus to others.Reportedly, levels of contagion spread even among the healthcare workers havealso started ringing alarm bells. Many healthcare workers and their relativeshave been infected while fighting this invisible enemy.
There is no denying the fact that the NovelCorona Virus has pushed us all to a state of immense crisis. Apart from thedoctors and other healthcare workers, our nursing workforce is putting itselfin harm’s way to save our lives. Undoubtedly, nurses are the first line ofdefense in any healthcare issue. Today, as the world is putting up a unitedfront to fight this crisis, our nurses and midwives are also the frontlinesoldiers in this battle who selflessly put their health and strength on theline for the well-being of others on daily basis. They are the unsung sheroeswho have exceptional levels of workload, particularly those specialized inintensive care units, in healthcare management or those directly involved incombating the lethal bug. They, along with other healthcare staff, are fightingthe killer virus by providing high quality treatment and care. They areorganizing and reorganizing wards to open more beds for infected patients whilekeeping others, including women in labour, safe and healthy. They are takingstock of equipment and lending it across units. In our valley, where the patientstested positive are on the rise, nurses are on toes 24/7. They are providingadvanced levels of care for emergencies and trauma. They are not only riskingtheir lives but also keeping their duty above everything else. They aredevoting hours, days and weeks to taking care of patients. In a scenario likethis, we need to support them and take a moment to thank them for theircommendable services. Nobody could have imagined the critical importance ofnurses in our society brought into focus so clearly by the outbreak of CoronaVirus. The invaluable role they are playing is a testimony of their sacrifice,courage and commitment to a healthier and safer society.
This year’s day is dedicated to nurses andmidwives with an aim to remind the global community about the key role theyhave been playing in keeping the world healthy. Certainly, without their aid,there would have been no sufficient and effective response to anymedical/public health emergency including current pandemic emergency. They havebeen exhibiting strength and care for patients, check on them, comfort andclean them up even if patients are unkind and ungrateful to them. When they seea person in need, they try their best to meet their needs and return themhealthy to their homes. Be it recalled that nursing and midwifery workforce isone of the most valuable resources in healthcare system of our society but itis distressing that in many hospitals today across J&K region they are,reportedly, lacking sufficient Personal Protection Equipments and safety gears.They are suffering from a constant fear of bringing the disease to their homes.Despite all these odds, nurses alongside other healthcare professionals areserving the society selflessly to their best expertise.
This being so, our society needs to supportand take care of nurses and other healthcare providers. Our society depends ontheir conviction to treat the public every day with their clinical excellenceand deliver the care with compassion. As the whole healthcare experts are on theforefront of getting us through this catastrophic situation, we need tostrengthen their resilience with our gratitude and honour their contribution.
So, let us join together in paying tributeto all healthcare workers including nurses and midwives who are puttingthemselves at risk to fight the ravages of this pandemic. Together, we hope toemerge from this trial stronger, healthier and more united than ever before.Let us salute them and express gratitude for their altruistic and compassionateservices. The relentless pursuit of these frontline warriors to care for thoseimpacted by Corona Virus exemplifies their commitment and dedication to protectthe health of the people in J& K and beyond.
Tubah Shah is Masters in English Literature and Dr Manzoor Shah a Former Commerce Teacher.