Covid has killed 96 health workers in K-P

Around 96 health workers have lost their lives to Covid-19 in Khyber-Pakthunkhwa (K-P) so far and the number is rapidly increasing after the start of the third wave of the infection.

Around 61 doctors have died of Covid-19 infection followed by 15 paramedics, seven nurses, and 13 other staff including laboratory technicians, drivers, lab assistants and ward attendants.

Talking to The Express Tribune Information Secretary of the Provincial Doctors Association (PDA) Dr Saleem said that the doctors and other health workers were at the forefront of handling the Covid-19 crisis and 96 of them have been killed in the pandemic but it was unfortunate that still the families of the deceased doctors were waiting for the payment of compensation package from the government.

“Only the family of a single doctor had been paid the compensation package or shaheed package while the rest of them are still waiting which is really unfortunate,” he said, adding that not even the basic protective gear were available to all doctors.

“N-95 mask is not a state-of-the-art equipment but it is not available to all doctors. These masks are provided to those doctors who are working in Covid-19 wards or ICUs. Others have to use simple facemasks which is unfortunate,” he said, adding that there was no risk allowance for the doctors despite the fact that they are working day and night during this emergency.

It is worth mentioning here that the Corona Emergency Response Teams have also not been paid for the past six months despite the tall claims of the PTI government.

On the other hand, 37 people have succumbed to Covid-19 in the past 24 hours in the province.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 22^nd, 2021.