Challenges Faced by Health Workers during Covid-19

Public healthcare system in India was the worst hit during Covid-19 pandemic. While we were still learning to cope-up with the first wave, the healthcare system was shattered with the arrival of the second wave. These continuous outbreaks have caused many devastating effects on our healthcare system

Being at the forefront and the first line of defence against the COVID-19 crisis, healthcare workers are the most affected. Working under increasingly difficult circumstances, that too for long hours, they are facing many challenges in delivering their duties affecting both their physical and mental health

  • Increased Risk of Infection : With rapid increase of COVID-19 cases, hospitals and isolation centres are getting crowded, increasing the risk of infection for everyone. Several healthcare workers are getting infected and even dying due to this crisis. Lack of essential medical equipment and insufficient manpower is adding to the load of healthcare system making frontline workers more vulnerable to the disease
  • Shortage of Protective Equipment : The huge setback for health care system in India is dealing with the shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes face masks, face shields, gowns, gloves and respirators. Inadequate supply and the cost to afford the PPE kits are the main cause behind the shortage. Though many healthcare workers have adapted to this reality by continuing to safeguard themselves, it’s putting many people in their surroundings at risk. Apart from affecting their personal health from the COVID-19, the risk of infecting their family and loved ones due to the unprotected exposure on duty is more concerning
  • Extra work shifts and Violence : Not just in India but apparently the long working hours are now very common across the globe. This is a major risk factor for healthcare workers - to acquire infection on duty. Allowing them to work in shorter shifts, with rotation, could have reduced such hazardous effects on their health. Violence against healthcare workers from some irresponsible people is being witnessed everywhere now. Such inhuman behaviour damages and demoralizes their work, eventually affecting the whole healthcare system

Publisher Name: eHealthFlex Team

Date: 20-08-2021