New Delhi: At a time when doctors across the country are facing shortages of protective gear required when treating patients infected with Covid-19, a Rajasthan-based doctor has highlighted how a district collector was seen wearing full personal protective equipment (PPE), while medical staff standing next to him had none.
A picture tweeted by the doctor, Pankaj Meena Khoker, has gone viral. The picture was accompanied by a short message: “When an IAS officer wears a full PPE kit and doctors wear normal clothes and mask……I don’t think Modi’s promise is working here.”
Pankaj Meena Khoker@dr_pankajmeenaWhen an IAS officer wears a full PPE kit and doctors wear normal clothes and mask……I don’t think Modi’s promise is working here #uglyindianbureaucracy@PMOIndia @narendramodi @drharshvardhan @DrHarjitBhatti @drpankajsolanki @UnitedRda @FordaIndia @RajCMO @CMODelhi
The picture seems to be from Indore in neighbouring Madhya Pradesh, as written on the wall behind the IAS officer in the picture.
In a nationwide survey conducted by the central government in late March, IAS officers from across districts too had highlighted the shortage of medical and protective equipment needed to battle the deadly pandemic.
Also read: What is PPE, and why it is essential in the fight against coronavirus
Should IAS officers’ safety be prioritised over doctors’?
The doctor’s tweet has generated a debate on whether IAS officers can be classified as an ‘essential service’ and need the protective gear, or should the protection of doctors be prioritised.
only because the image you shared is from Indore,MP. I agree we should be the first ones but please don’t undermine others who are part of essential services. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/covid-19-ias-officer-tasked-with-procuring-drugs-equipment-in-madhya-pradesh-tests-positive/article31245583.ece/amp/ …