SRINAGAR: J&K RTI Movement has asked the administration to provide adequate protective gear to doctors and healthcare professionals who are the highest risk groups combating Coronovirus epidemic in Jammu and Kashmir. Protective gear in J & K for health workers battling the corona- virus crisis remains inadequate , Farooq Kuthoo spokesman Jammu & Kashmir RTI Movement said suggesting it is roughly comparable to that of poorest countries in the world. Protecting doctors and healthcare professionals who are our front line warriors combating the virus should be a top priority for the Government he said.

RTI Movement has appreciated role of doctors and paramedical staff for putting their lives into risk during the ongoing crisis. Quoting Chairman Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat , Spokesman of RTI Movement said the list of drastic measures doctors and nurses are taking to protect themselves is reusing masks meant for one-time use, while front desk workers have been seen without masks at many health centers not to talk of full protective gear like Disposable Aprons and Skull Caps. He said that some people have fled quarantine centres in Kashmir, complaining of inadequate facilities and the risk of getting the Covid-19 illness .

Hence it’s imperative upon the Government to address this issue on priority as well. At the same time people in quarantine must understand the importance of quarantine and stay away from intermingling with fellow inmates and follow set guidelines. Those having history of travel outside J&K and not having gone to government run quarantine centers must strictly stay in home quarantine for at least 2 weeks reads statement “Due to upsurge in infections in Kashmir valley lately, it’s imperative upon the people of J & K to follow guidelines and restrict themselves to their homes .People of J & K have inherited resilience and this time also we will overcome the crises if we follow social distancing and stick to set guidelines “ statement adds

KR Desk