India has a dearth of doctors, which is a problem when a global medical crisis like the coronavirus occurs. According to an earlier report by Economic Times, there is 1 doctor for every 10,189 citizens of the country.
Which is why Mumbai is currently experiencing a shortage of doctors in its government hospitals and those on duty are burning out after being on duty for 10-12 hours. Some even are surviving on just biscuits and water, reports TOI.
Hence, the BMC requested the Indian Medical Association (IMA) for 50 private doctors who could join 5 civic-run hospitals to treat COVID-19 patients. Surprisingly, 250 doctors signed up within an hour of the IMA circulating the message, reports Mumbai Mirror.
The 250 doctors include Pulmonologists, Physicians, Anaesthetics, Radiologists, and even Gynaecologists.
All those who signed up are some of the city’s top private doctors with a 7-figure salary. They have all given it up for a month to battle the coronavirus.
Among them, 115 doctors are currently undergoing training and are to be deputed in the 5 civic-run hospitals. The BMC is to add 15 more hospitals in a week specifically to treat COVID-19 patients.
All the doctors will receive an honorarium of Rs 80,000 each.
The joining of the private doctors will give the government doctors a much-needed respite. Kudos to all 250 of them for putting their duty ahead of themselves!