Healthcare Heroes
Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile!
I heard the alarm beeping from the room next door. It was still dark and I don’t remember what time my father came back home the night before. He chose to sleep in an isolated room for over 3 months and had his breakfast and dinner alone. I went out and greeted him. His face was red and his nose scraped from the N95 he wore all day long. I didn’t want him to go but I knew that there was nothing I could say that would make him stay. My father is a doctor and now that I think of it, I couldn’t be prouder.
Doctors’ day is a day reserved to honor all doctors around the world and to express our appreciation for the services they offer and the sacrifices they make so that others might experience the freedom of an able body, hear their child’s first breath, or perhaps have a second shot at a life unfinished. It is to recognize their contributions to humanity’s well-being and to identify those who believe that each life is valuable and work tirelessly to save them. It is critical that we not only acknowledge their tremendous work but also motivate others to do the same.
With the COVID-19 pandemic that has severely impacted people all around the world, Doctor’s day this year is even more special. Doctors have fought a lengthy battle from the frontlines against the continuing COVID-19 outbreak, saving lives at the expense of their own. With the pandemic still far from ending, it is a crucial day to commemorate all the doctors who have given their lives in the previous year.
During the protracted struggle against COVID-19, Pakistan has lost over 250 physicians and paramedics to the pandemic, and thousands more have died around the world.
People all around the globe are applauding doctors for their self-sacrifices in order to rescue their fellow humans; yet, doctors are not the only ones on the front lines. In the fight against the pandemic, many more are paying their social duties, each in its own role or task: healthcare professionals, nurses, therapists, doctor assistants, pharmacists, lab-technicians, nutritionists and even health volunteers. This catastrophe has brought out the best in people, with people working hard with care and compassion to keep society alive and thriving, whether at home, from home, in-person, in businesses and institutions around the world.
Because doctors were at the frontline of combating the virus and saving lives during the pandemic, they had little time to process anything. All doctors are cultured to cope with death, pain, and loss, but this pandemic has put even the most resilient among them to the test. They’ve been working nonstop for almost a year, and the majority of them are dealing with death on a daily basis. Doctors, including other frontline healthcare providers have been reported to suffer from anxiety, depression, exhaustion, sleeplessness, and stress-related ailments as a result of their irregular work hours, risk of infection, and limited interaction with family members and loved ones. As a result, it is critical for hospitals to work on reducing their mental health issues. Indoor workouts such as yoga and treadmill running can assist doctors enhance their mood and sleep quality. Doctors may also be engaged in mind-calming activities such as mindfulness and meditation to assist them avoid stress. It is really very important that we advocate for their mental health.
Their unwavering devotion and determination to promote the well-being of the individuals they serve shines a bright light and inspires others to greatness. Their assurance brings calm, and their compassion brings peace. So, happy Doctor’s day to the leaders, heroes, and healers who give their all to every person, every day.
References:
Anon, 2021. NATIONAL DOCTORS’ DAY 2021. Available at: https://www.doctorsday.org/.
Desk, W., 2021. PMA says over 200 doctors have succumbed to coronavirus in Pakistan. Geo.tv: Latest News Breaking Pakistan, World, Live Videos. Available at: https://www.geo.tv/latest/349888-pma-says-over-200-doctors-have-succumbed-to-coronavirus-in-pakistan.
Elsevier, 2020. Physician engagement: mindfulness as part of the pandemic solution. Elsevier Connect. Available at: https://www.elsevier.com/connect/physician-engagement-mindfulness-as-part-of-the-pandemic-solution.Mahmood, Q.K. et al., 2021. Anxiety amongst physicians during COVID-19: a cross-sectional study in Pakistan. BMC Public Health. Available at: https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-020-10134-4.
