Episode 838

India’s frontline workers are at risk, and it’s not just from COVID-19

Frontline workers across the world, our health workers especially nurses and care-taking staff, police officers, sanitation workers, have been integral in the fight to contain the novel coronavirus. This COVID-19 pandemic, however, has put immense pressure on them. Healthcare workers and policemen are being attacked on the job, they lack protective equipment, and there’s a looming mental health crisis. On today’s episode Anuradha Mascarenhas details such pressures- shortage of staff and PPEs, increasing mental distress, problems outside work. Next, Abantika Ghosh explains why the Indian Medical Association had planned protests today, why city doctors are wary of surveillance and working while sick with COVID-19, and how a new ordinance is meant to protect healthcare workers during the pandemic. Last, Amil Bhatnagar explains how healthcare workers and even policemen are facing mob attacks.

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India’s frontline workers are at risk, and it’s not just from COVID-19Frontline workers across the world, our health workers especially nurses and care-taking staff, police officers, sanitation workers, have been integral in the fight to contain the novel coronavirus. This COVID-19 pandemic, however, has put immense pressure on them. Healthcare workers and policemen are being attacked on the job, they lack protective equipment, and there's a looming mental health crisis. On today's episode Anuradha Mascarenhas details such pressures- shortage of staff and PPEs, increasing mental distress, problems outside work. Next, Abantika Ghosh explains why the Indian Medical Association had planned protests today, why city doctors are wary of surveillance and working while sick with COVID-19, and how a new ordinance is meant to protect healthcare workers during the pandemic. Last, Amil Bhatnagar explains how healthcare workers and even policemen are facing mob attacks. You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook and Twitter @expresspodcasts, or send us an email at podcasts@indianexpress.com. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.indianexpress.com/audio.