Another doctor succumbs to coronavirus in K-P

At least 17 healthcare workers have died of Covid-19 in the province

PESHAWAR:

Another doctor died of the coronavirus in Peshawar on Sunday. This took the number of Covid-19 fatalities among healthcare workers in Khyber-Pakhtunkwa (K-P) to 17, as per the Provincial Doctors Association.

Dr Hidayatullah Wazir was undergoing treatment at the Hayatabad Medical Complex before he succumbed to the disease, said sources. He was laid to rest at a graveyard in his hometown of Azeem Qi, they said.

According to a report released by the National Emergency Operations Center, the number of doctors, nurses and paramedical staff infected with coronavirus across the country has reached 2,561, while at least 25 health workers have lost their lives fighting the pandemic.

Doctors' associations and media have reported even higher numbers of Covid-19 cases and fatalities among healthcare workers. Numerous protests have also been held demanding the provision of personal protective equipments, protection, benefits, as well as improved working conditions as the pandemic adds strain to an already burdened healthcare system. Protesters were met with baton charge and arrests by the police in some cases and reportedly released later.

Several healthworkers have decried salary cuts, poor working conditions and lack of safety gear during the pandemic.