The Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Saturday informed that a total of 196 doctors in the country have succumbed to COVID-19.
“Majority of the deceased doctors are general practitioners,” the IMA said as it requested the Prime Minister’s attention on the issue.
“As per the latest data collected by the IMA, our nation has lost 196 doctors, out of which 170 of them are above the age of 50 years, with general practitioners attributing to around 40 per cent of it,” the IMA said in a press statement.
“While an increasing number of doctors are getting infected and losing their lives every day, a substantial number of them have been found to be general practitioners,” the statement added.
“Since a significant proportion of the population consults general practitioner due to fever and its related symptoms, they remain the first point of contact as well as care, the doctors’ body,” the IMA further said.
The IMA, in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requested him to ensure adequate care for doctors and their families.
It may be mentioned here that the IMA represents over 3.5 lakh doctors, spread across the country and they have been providing affordable healthcare services to all.
“The IMA thus requests the government of India to provide adequate attention for the safety and welfare of doctors during the pandemic,” the IMA statement added.