There is a whiff of positivity in times of despair

te continues whether Goa is in going throughits peak phase, there is still a distant fear that the worst is yetto come, and the mounting death toll continues to throw upchallenges.Better sense has finally dawned upon the health ministryin reinforcing its meagre healthcare staff battling Covid. Suspendingnon-essential services at the Goa Medical College anddiverting trained staff at the Covidhospital is a welcome move. Notonly will it result in better healthcare to the rising count of patients,but will also give immense relief tothe overburdened and fatigued staff.Even if we are to take solace in theyear-end deadline for a vaccine,there is still a long way to go, andco-morbid patients will continue tobear the brunt. Against this background,the least that can be done is to provide round the clockattention to critical patients.People cannot be ignored or left to fend for themselves inthese threatening times. The tales of horror at Covid hospitaland care centres have to be put behind by offering betterhealthcare facilities and by involving more nurses.On another note, it is ridiculous that 26 contract nurses recruitedby the Directorate of Health Services and posted at theCovid hospital around two months ago did not get their salarieseven on the eve of Chaturthi. The technicality of attendancefrom the Covid hospital not being received reflects howobsolete and outdated our systems are. It paints a sorry pictureof frontline workers who give their all to patients, even riskingtheir own life, are denied timely salaries because of a sluggishsystem. This is not acceptable at a time when the discourse isabout technology and online systems. Announcement of a 20per cent hike in April salary along with a Rs 50 lakh insurancecover for frontline staff was a positive step by the State government.However, contract workers, who continue to toil withother staff, cannot be singled out for treatment like this.Festivals bring in positivity, and people hold on to threads ofhope in times of despair. It’s time we pool all our resources andmove forward. The Covid situation may have got only worseover time. Still, a better sense of planning and management isvisible with medical experts brought on board. A sense of teamspirit is seen for the first time. The need of the hour is to leavemedical decisions altogether to doctors and give them a freehand, without any political interference.