Govt. doctors’ association demands action against mob

‘Authorities should have provided security for burial’

21/04/2020, SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT,CHENNAI

The Tamil Nadu Government Doctors’ Association (TNGDA) has condemned the actions of the “unruly mob” that prevented the burial of a neurosurgeon who had died of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at a private hospital on Sunday.

In a statement, K. Senthil, State president of TNGDA, condoled the death of the doctor, Simon Hercules, who got infected after treating a patient. The association said the government should have provided adequate security for his burial, and demanded stern action against those who tried to prevent it.

The TNGDA said a body that was packed was least infective, and stern action should be taken against the “ignorant mob” opposing such burials.

“Already, the government sector is burdened with COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 emergencies as most private sector institutions have downed their shutters. At this juncture, such disheartening incidents will demotivate doctors and other healthcare providers. The TNGDA demands proper action against the perpetrators and protection during similar incidents in future. Is this (referring to the disturbance during the burial) the reward for our selfless commitment towards the fight against the deadly SARS-CoV-2 virus?” the association said in the statement.

“Government doctors are risking their lives, using existing poor quality/inadequate protective gear in treating the patients. Recently, many doctors have tested positive in spite of wearing protective gear. TNGDA demands supply of proper specified protective gear immediately to all healthcare providers on COVID-19 duty,” the statement said.